New Jersey Bans Foul-Smelling, Invasive Bradford Pear Tree

The state is phasing out the problematic trees over the next decade to protect native ecosystems.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:13pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of stylized Bradford pear tree flowers in vibrant neon hues, conceptually representing the invasive nature of this problematic plant species.The once-popular but now-banned Bradford pear tree is being phased out of New Jersey's landscape, making way for more native and environmentally-friendly species.Hoboken Today

New Jersey has banned the Bradford pear tree and 29 other non-native plant species that have been causing environmental damage and public safety issues. The invasive Bradford pear, known for its unpleasant fishy odor, will no longer be allowed to be propagated, imported or sold in the state by 2030. The gradual phase-out aims to replace these problematic trees with more native species like oaks and hickories.

Why it matters

The Bradford pear tree is an invasive species that has been crowding out native plants, disrupting local ecosystems, and creating public safety risks due to its tendency to split during storms. Removing these trees will help restore the state's natural plant communities and protect the habitats of native wildlife.

The details

Under the new law signed by former Governor Phil Murphy, the Bradford pear tree and 29 other non-native plants will be banned in New Jersey. Starting in 2027, no one will be allowed to propagate or import these plants without a waiver. By 2030, it will be illegal to sell, distribute or import the banned plants or their seeds. Violators can face fines of up to $2,000. The Bradford pear is an offshoot of the Callery pear, which was originally brought from Asia in the early 1900s and became very popular, leading to its rapid spread and invasion of native ecosystems.

  • The law was signed by former Governor Phil Murphy on January 20, 2026, his final day in office.
  • By Spring 2027, no one will be allowed to propagate or import the banned plants without a waiver.
  • The full ban will take effect on February 20, 2030, making it illegal to sell, distribute or import the banned plants or their seeds.

The players

Phil Murphy

The former governor of New Jersey who signed the law banning the Bradford pear tree and other invasive plants.

Mikey Sherrill

The current governor of New Jersey who took office after the law was signed.

Jason Grabosky

A professor of Urban Forestry at Rutgers University who provided expert commentary on the invasive nature of the Bradford pear tree.

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What they’re saying

“The Bradford pear trees are an offshoot of Callery pears, which were originally brought by ships from Asia in the early 1900s. They became very popular and spread very quickly, becoming the Bradford pear.”

— Jason Grabosky, Professor of Urban Forestry, Rutgers University

“Because they're not native to the area and they're hugely invasive, they're pushing out the native vegetation and changing the plant community, which changes the animal community.”

— Jason Grabosky, Professor of Urban Forestry, Rutgers University

“These types of changes take decades. It's going to take some time to control the spread and replace them with something else. It's a public statement — let's stop putting these trees into our eco-system and adopt a strategy to match a native species more fit for the environment.”

— Jason Grabosky, Professor of Urban Forestry, Rutgers University

What’s next

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture will enforce the law's rules, including fines for violators. Over the next decade, the state will work to phase out the Bradford pear trees and replace them with more native species like oaks and hickories.

The takeaway

New Jersey's ban on the invasive and foul-smelling Bradford pear tree is a significant step in protecting the state's natural ecosystems and restoring native plant communities. This gradual phase-out demonstrates the state's commitment to addressing environmental challenges posed by non-native species and prioritizing the long-term health of its natural landscapes.