What IS That Smell?

Eds. Note: This article was first published in March 2012. With the White Bradford Pear trees once again blossoming across the region, we decided to post it again—especially for those wondering what that not so fresh spring scent is in the air.  

Cranberry area residents have noticed a distinct smell in the air.

And no, we’re not talking about the fresh scent of spring.

Readers have detected a fishy smell to the air similar to standing water or an ocean marsh.

On the Cranberry Patch Facebook page, Tamra Thorne commented she could smell it near the 7-Eleven convenience store on Route 19. Reader Shelle Jamieson caught a whiff of it in the parking lot at Lowe’s and Target on Route 228 while Cranberry Patch editor Jessica Sinichak sniffed it out on Old Mars Crider Road in Seven Fields.

The smell isn’t limited to the Cranberry area, either. Our Patch colleagues from around the Pittsburgh region have reported pockets of stench from Verona to Wilkins Township.

So what is the mystery smell?

According to the folks at 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.

Gretchen Moran, executive secretary for Cranberry Township, said the warmer the temperatures, the more the trees stink.

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 and Cranberry Square shopping plazas.

Pee-yew!

What about you? Have you noticed a fishy scent in the air? Did you know it was coming from the blossoming pear trees? Or, like editor Jessica Sinichak, did you initially blame it on the manure being spread at area farms? Share your spring scent stories in the comment section below.

Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.