Bradford Pear Bounty

bradford pear in bloom Bradford pears are not native to the U.S. and have been widely planted in South Carolina for years. While the blossoms are pretty, they have a pungent odor and the trees often break during storms. Even worse, Bradford pear trees directly contribute to one of the worst invasive plant species in the Southeast – the Callery pear. This program will give homeowners the option to remove Bradford pears and replace them with native trees. Doing so will help reduce the amount of seed that can grow into Callery pears and will help diversify the urban landscape.

Property owners are encouraged to exchange up to five (5) Bradford Pear trees for an equal number of FREE, healthy, native, young replacement trees, a one-for-one replacement. These exchanges take place at in-person bounty events and require pre-registration. For details see Participation Criteria below

Participation Criteria
- Pre-registration is required, once available - click the "Register" link on the right under your desired year and city
- Only the property owner can register and get the trees.
- Any South Carolina resident can participate and take part in the program.
- Property owners are responsible for tree removal.
- Take a photo of yourself with the cut tree (a selfie, if you will) and bring it to the exchange event.
- Replacement trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. If your preferred replacement tree is not available at the time of distribution, you will be provided with a healthy alternative. Specific tree species cannot be reserved ahead of the event.
Proper Tree Removal

Property owners are responsible for the removal of their tree. 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.

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
Yard Debris

More info coming soon.
Why are Callery Pears considered invasive?
An invasive species has three main characteristics:
- They are not naturally from the area in which they’re now present
- They create economic or ecological damage
- They displace native species
Generally speaking, invasive species grow quite rapidly and thrive in many different conditions (e.g. shade, sun, dry, wet, poor soils, hillsides, disturbed areas). A large number of invasive-exotic vegetative species are heavy seed producers (or produce seed in abundance).

While invasive species may provide shelter for wildlife (e.g. bird nests) they do not provide much food – especially for birds that eat insects – because very few insects eat the leaves of invasive species.

2025 Dates

The 2025 bounty season is now closed.

2026 Dates

2026 Dates and Locations coming soon.

Special thanks to Columbia Green as a longterm sponsor of the Bradford Pear Bounty Program

Meet our Sponsors

people talking at a bradford pear bounty event

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service

Clemson Extension helps improve the quality of life of all South Carolinians by providing unbiased, research-based information through an array of public outreach programs in youth development; agribusiness; agriculture; food, nutrition and health; and natural resources.

Learn More about Extension

South Carolina Forestry Commission

The SC Forestry Commission protects, promotes and enhances South Carolina’s forests for the benefit of all. With a vision to see healthy forests, resilient communities, and impeccable service, the SC Forestry commission values safety, integrity, community, service and commitment.

Learn More about the SC Forestry Commisson