Colorado’s Infamous Smelly Trees Are Back for 2025​

Of all our senses, the sense of smell is the most sensitive, in my opinion. It can remind you of your favorite food.

You could be walking through a store and smell a perfume that smells like your grandparents' house. Or you could be driving on a county road, and your partner asks, “Was that you?”.

Then you point to the farm on the left.

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Many residents in Colorado have been wondering why it smells like fish everywhere. We have found the answer

Fish Smells in Colorado Explained

Callery pear trees have begun blooming in Colorado. I first noticed the smell in a parking lot in Fort Collins. Now, I have been noticing the trees all over town.

I first smelled a Callery pear tree in the parking lot at Crunch Fitness on S College Avenue. Then I smelled another one at Front Range Village

Why Does This Colorado Tree Smell So Bad?

The famous tree is known to smell like rotting fish. Callery pear trees typically bloom in April in Colorado.

However, many insects are attracted to the smell. According to KDVR, the smell is trying to attract pollinators.

Can We Get Rid of the Trees in Colorado?

Getting rid of the callery pear tree would be a difficult task considering that they are an invasive species.

Yes, we can get rid of them. It would take a ton of time, effort, and money, though.

@pinelandsnursery Invasive Species are a BIG problem. One invasive tree your sure to see right now is Callery Pear. #nativeplants #healthyplanet #plants #conservation #restoration #plantnative #native #ecology #habitat #nativehabitat #invasiveplants #invasives ♬ original sound - PinelandsNursery

The question would be whether or not it is worth it due to the short time when the air smells funky. So prepare yourself to smell rotting fish even though you are not by any water or fish market.

The Callery pear tree was brought to America from Asia in the 1950s. They are very pretty trees, but their smell packs a mean punch.