NC Bradford Pear Bounty Program

Henderson -- Henderson County Government Community News March 8, 2024:  A statewide program to eliminate

Bradford Pear trees – called the NC Bradford Pear Bounty Program – is being coordinated in Henderson County by Hendersonville Tree Board this spring.

Bradford Pear trees are early-blooming trees, and in the past they were considered excellent and beautiful additions to the landscape. Now the trees are labeled as an invasive species, having spread far beyond where they were originally planted.

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

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 for Saturday, May 4, 9 to 11 a.m., at Hendersonville Operations Center, 305 Williams Street.

On-line pre-registration is required to participate. Register at 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 tree removal discounts

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.

To learn more please visit hendersonville tree removal

Image Credit: WNCTimes