Community Corner

What's That Stinky Spring Smell?

The area's trees have started emitting a stinky spring aroma in the air.

With , area residents have noticed a distinct smell in the air. And no, we’re not talking about the fresh scent of spring.

Many have detected a fishy smell to the air similar to standing water or an ocean marsh. So what is the mystery smell?

According to many noses, the flowering White Bradford Pear trees are to blame. The ornamental trees feature clusters of lush white flowers, that unfortunately—when in bloom— smell like last night’s fish dinner.

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Gretchen Moran, executive secretary for , said the warmer the temperatures, the more the trees stink. Have we mentioned temperatures have hovered near 80 degrees all week?

The pear trees are known for being ideal street trees because of their resistance to cold, disease, drought and car fumes. The, um, fragrant flowering trees can be found all over the township right now, including the parking lot of the Cranberry Commons shopping plaza.

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