I love walking through the park at night this time of year. It’s still cold. Most nights, it rains. But blooms are starting to show. This year’s been hard, and these signs of life make me believe winter is finally ending. We won’t have to endure much longer. I can’t wait.

I got curious about one tree and looked it up.

Despite its pretty flowers, it’s an invasive species: Pyrus calleryana, or Callery pear. It has a short lifespan, weak branches, and an interesting smell. It was planted all over the U.S. for its looks and low cost.

Learning that gave me mixed feelings. Whoever planted it likely meant well, and it does make the neighborhood look better. Still, why not plant a native tree?

Digging deeper, I found that NYC tracks the value of each tree. This one earns its keep.

• 3,720 gallons of stormwater intercepted per year (about 180 10-minute long showers)

• 1,647 kWh of energy conserved (enough to charge an iPhone 16 daily for about 329 years)

• 5 pounds of air pollutants removed annually

So it’s not just a pretty face. According to the city, it’s the most valuable tree in the park. I still have mixed feelings, but I’m grateful. And I don’t feel so guilty admiring the blossoms.