It's Time for Spring to be Ruined Once Again in the Hudson Valley

Spring in the Hudson Valley is supposed to be a beautiful transformation. Unfortunately it's ruined every single year by a problem that just won't go away.

To be fair, it's hard to tell if the problem won't go away, or simply can't. After years and years of heading down the wrong path, it might be impossible to reverse course now.

This otherwise-wonderful spring day is ruined thanks to one specific culprit (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Spring Blooms in the Hudson Valley

Of course not everything is awful. The vibrant forsythia, the pleasant magnolia trees, and the perennial hostas poking their heads from the ground are all welcomed signs of the seasons changing. The same can't be said about another bloom, however.

Spring blossoms are usually a good thing... unless they're attached to this awful tree (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Invasive Plants in the Hudson Valley

Unfortunately, invasive plants in New York State not only make it difficult for native species to thrive, but they can create unpleasant or even dangerous situations for people and animals as well.

This tree seen growing in Poughkeepsie, NY is actually a growing problem (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Invasive trees Causing Problems in the Hudson Valley

While there are plenty of invasive plants to highlight, including the royal-sounding tree that experts call "a wolf in sheep's clothing", there's another problem that can be found in nearly every county in the Hudson Valley.

The Callery pear tree is causing problems across New York state (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Invasive Callery Pear Tree Growing in the Hudson Valley

The subject of many local residents' ire is the Bradford (or Callery) pear tree. Once thought to be an easy and quick-growing solution for landscaping has quickly proven to be harmful. While the tree is now banned in many states, it's still going strong in the Hudson Valley.

What Makes the Callery Pear Tree So Harmful?

The Callery pear is derided for its ability to "kick out" native species as well as dangers caused by its poor structural strength. Callery pear trees are known to uproot or split easily when exposed to snow, ice, and wind, and can damage property and even injure people and animals.

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To round out the awfulness, the Callery pear tree is also famous for its trademark (and terrible) smell, which is currently wafting throughout the state. Until a solution is found for the dangerous, invasive, and stinky tree, the joys of spring are threatened in the Hudson Valley.

New York State's Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout For

These seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.