Bradford Pear trees is a cultivar of the callery pear tree. The beautiful white blossoms attracted a huge following in the 1960’s as suburban housing boomed. Bradford Pear trees were especially popular because they were quick to grow in just about any soil.
Why are Bradford Pear Trees a Problem?
While Bradford Pear trees produce beautiful blossoms in the springtime, they are more dangerous to the North Carolina ecosystem than meets the eye. In addition to not being a native species, they are wildly invasive and cross pollinate with other trees. While that might not be an issue for the eye, Bradford Pear trees have an unpleasant odor, and their branches are not structurally sound. This can lead to serious consequences for homeowners in spring and winter storms.
NC Bradford Pear Bounty Replacement Program
NC Bradford Pear Bounty is a collaborative program between NC State Extension, NC Urban Forest Council, NC Forest Service, and NC Wildlife Federation. This collaboration allows homeowners to exchange their Bradford Pear trees with a native tree.
The NC Bradford Pear Bounty program is simple. Take a picture of your Bradford Pear tree with a close-up shot of the leaves. Cut it down. Take a picture after you have removed it. When you present the documentation, you will receive a new, native tree for free.
To be eligible for the Bradford Pear tree replacement program, you must:
- Pre-register for the event
- Be a North Carolina resident and homeowner
- Remove the exiting Bradford Pear tree at your own expense.
- Bring the before and after documentation from your tree removal.
- Attend the event in Greensboro on April 23, 2022
The new trees are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Additionally, up to 5 trees can be exchanged (one-for-one).
Visit treebountync.com for registration, requirements, and additional information.