One Bradford pear tree…
…can quickly become many…
…crowding out our native trees. Bradford pear trees are non-native and highly invasive, yet they are still available for sale in Virginia as landscape trees. Replacing them with native trees will help native wildlife species.
Remove a Bradford pear tree from your property and receive a young, native tree with a protective tree tube in return (limit 2)
White Oak
Sugar Maple
Fringetree
Learn more about the problems with Bradford pears and some native alternatives by viewing this Lunch and Learn presentation by Carl Absher. Carl retired as an arborist and was a devoted conservationist active in many local organizations.
Bounty participation requirements
* New River Valley property owners (homeowners and businesses) may obtain a free, native replacement tree for a Bradford pear tree removed from their property, a one-for-one replacement (limit 2). We will also consider applicants from beyond the NRV if you’re in the region covered by the Plant SWVA Natives Campaign (see link below) and you can come to the NRV to retrieve your tree.
*This program is intended for Bradford pear trees that are planted in managed landscapes (e.g., yards). Wild Callery pears – those that grow in ditches, fields, and other natural areas and typically have sharp thorns – are not eligible for the exchange.
*Only the property owner can apply and get the tree(s).
*Property owners are responsible for the tree removal(s).
*Submit a before and after photo (i.e., a picture of the tree standing and a picture of the tree on the ground/cut) via email to sustainableblacksburgva@gmail.com. Include your name and the address of the property where the tree was removed.
*Replacement trees(s) will be distributed on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE basis WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! As of December 5, we still have trees available so submit your pictures and we will work with you to get your tree(s) and tree tube(s) to you.
*Specific tree species cannot be guaranteed, but provide your first and second choice trees and we will accommodate a preferred choice as we are able.
Property owners are responsible for the removal of their tree(s). It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed tree professional to remove any trees on your property. Cut stumps should be immediately treated with an herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to ensure that the stumps and large roots don’t resprout.
Sprouts from a Bradford pear tree stump.
The Tree Care Industry Association has a lot of useful information for landowners that can benefit their safety and decision-making. For locating a qualified tree service professional, visit TCIA’s “Find Qualified Tree Care” page. For a list of certified arborists, visit http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
Learn about how to identify and control Bradford pear with this fact sheet from the Blue Ridge PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)
Additional Resources
Blue Ridge PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)
Virginia Department of Forestry: Invasive Plants
Plant SWVA Natives: Native plant guide for our area and other resources
This program was made possible by a generous gift of native trees donated by Plant SWVA Natives. The trees were purchased from Draper Springs Nursery and Gardens in Draper, VA.
