News

Bounty program targets 'invasive, weak, annoying and stinky' Bradford pear trees

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 7, 2024

Early blooming Bradford pear trees. once considered excellent and beautiful additions to the landscape, have now been labeled as an invasive species that experts say ought to be removed.

The North Carolina Bradford Pear Bounty program is a collaborative program between N.C. Cooperative Extension, NC Urban Forestry Council, N.C. Forest Service and N.C. Wildlife Federation that aims to eliminate these trees that are “invasive, weak, annoying, and stinky,” according to program organizers.

The statewide N.C. Bradford Pear Bounty Program is being coordinated in Henderson County this spring by the Hendersonville Tree Board. Residents may participate and receive replacement trees at no charge when they remove up to five Bradford Pear trees on their property. Registration for the program is underway and pick-up date for replacement trees is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Hendersonville Operations Center, 305 Williams St.

On-line pre-registration is required to participate. Register at www.treebountync.com.
Tree removal is the homeowner’s responsibility. Several local tree-care service providers are offering discounts for those participating in the program. The list can be found at www.treebountync.com/removal-discounts. Only the homeowner can register and receive replacement trees. Any Henderson County homeowner is eligible.
Before-and-after photos must be brought to the May 4 event (i.e., a picture of the tree standing and a picture of the tree on the ground/cut). If the tree was not flowering when cut, an additional photo with a close up of the leaves or bark is required.
Replacement trees are free, native and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
One native tree is exchanged for each Bradford pear tree removal.
“This is a unique program to help stop the spread of what has become an invasive tree species – the Bradford pear,” said Mary Davis, Hendersonville Tree Board member and local coordinator of the event. “The Tree Board has stepped up to work with the statewide agencies to sponsor the Bradford Pear Bounty locally. Volunteers are needed to help distribute replacement trees on May 4, so we’re inviting folks to sign up to help out.”
To learn more about the Bradford Pear Bounty program and/or to register to participate visit www.treebountync.com To volunteer to help at the event on May 4, email Davis at hokiemd@vt.edu by May 1. To learn more about the Hendersonville Tree Board and its projects, visit the webpage at http://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/tree-board.