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Immortal callery pear - help!! #929715

Asked April 26, 2026, 8:36 PM EDT

Hello! I just realized after 9 seedlings popped up in my yard that the tree the previous homeowners had cut down was a callery pear. The stump at that time (2019ish) was never treeated, so shoots have been growing out of the remaining roots aggressicely every spring/summer. How can I kill this callery pear years after it was cut down untreated? The stump rotted away last year, so there are just these root nodes with the shoots still coming up. Thank you for the help!

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi Laura, 

Thank you for your question. Callery Pear  (Pyrus calleryana), often called Bradford pear, is native to East Asia. It was planted as an ornamental by many landscapers because it is fast growing.  It has a robust root system that will send up shoots. Because it is highly invasive Callery pear is now a prohibited species under Maryland law.   In order to get rid of your infestation of Callery Pear it is suggested using a high concentrate (between 20-50%), glyphosate-based solution and if you have many seedlings add in dye to keep track of what has been treated.  Apply the herbicide directly to fresh cuts on the stump or to the cut seedling. For your small seedlings cut the seedling low to the ground and paint or pointed spray the herbicide on the cut. This helps prevent regrowth. Do this within five minutes of cutting. Follow all safety precautions and instructions when using herbicides. Ensure the herbicide penetrates the cambium layer for maximum effectiveness.  Where your seedlings are present, consider applying herbicide to the soil around them. This prevents new plants from establishing and spreading further. For large infestations, combining manual removal of newly appearing shoots with chemical treatments.  Note that Glyphosate is non- selective and will harm or kill any plant it comes into contact with. Be vigilant in addressing shoots as they arise.

I hope this is helpful.

Christine 





An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 27, 2026, 12:38 PM EDT

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