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Blooming Into a More Sustainable Future

Blooming Into a More Sustainable Future

At Chalet, our Sustainability Committee plays a central role in shaping our commitment to sustainable gardening and promoting practices that have a better impact on our local ecosystem. Guided by a vision for sustainable landscapes, we are continually working to identify and address plants that pose challenges to biodiversity while promoting alternatives that harmonize with nature.

As part of this ongoing effort, we’re taking meaningful steps to reevaluate the types of plants we offer. The first plant we are focusing on is the Callery Pear - a tree that, despite its initial appeal and wide adoption for its beautiful early spring blooms, has shown invasive tendencies that disrupt native habitats. We hope to inspire and support our community in making more sustainable choices that contribute to thriving, biodiverse gardens.

Why We No Longer Recommend Callery Pear

While the Callery Pear (and non-sterile cultivars) has long been popular, known for its profuse white flowers and adaptability, its invasive qualities have proven detrimental to native habitats. Over time, Callery Pear trees have begun to escape cultivation, spreading into natural areas where they outcompete native species, altering ecosystems, and diminishing biodiversity. While the ‘main cultivar’ of ‘Cleveland Select’ was initially thought to be sterile, cultivation practices and grafting have allowed them to proliferate aggressively in Illinois and beyond.

Chalet Recommended Spring Blooming Trees

For gardeners seeking beautiful spring blooms for years to come, below are our recommended selections of white-flowering trees. They not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces but also support the health of local ecosystems. These alternatives combine ornamental beauty with ecological integrity:

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

This Illinois native plant combines elegance and practicality. The Serviceberry offers early spring clouds of white flowers and berries that attract pollinators and birds. This tree embodies biodiversity and adds ornamental value to any garden.

Starlite Crabapple (Malus ‘Starlite’)

For those who appreciate showy flowering trees, the disease-resistant Starlite Crabapple provides an abundance of crisp white blooms and year-round beauty.

Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance

Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance

From $129.99

Serviceberry, Standing Ovation

Serviceberry, Standing Ovation

From $49.99

Crabapple, Starlite

Crabapple, Starlite

From $429.99

Improving our Local Ecosystem One Plant at a Time

Choosing the right plants for your garden can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But that’s where Chalet comes in. Our passionate and knowledgeable team has guided gardeners in the Chicago area for over 100 years. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, whether you’re designing a new landscape or enhancing your existing spaces. We believe gardening is an opportunity to nurture beauty, sustainability, and joy.

We invite you to visit Chalet and explore our selection of eco-friendly alternatives to Callery Pear. Together, we can create gardens that bloom with beauty and environmental purpose. If you have a Callery Pear tree on your property, our experts can also advise you on how manage the effects on the ecosystem or think about replacements down the line. We’re all on a learning journey on how to live fulfilling lives while minimizing our impact on the environment. Our own backyards are a great place to start that journey. With each mindful step and every plant we choose, we can take pride and joy in knowing we’re doing the right thing for our shared community.

by the Chalet Sustainability Committee

Chalet's Sustainability Committee, among other goals, helps the local community learn about sustainable gardening and lifestyle practices. Thank you for reading our blog and consider sharing it with friends to get the word out about how we can make our local green spaces healthier and our community more sustainable.

Lawson Thalmann

Principal Author