08/06/2025
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Cooperative Extension will host a North Carolina Bradford Pear Tree Bounty event on Oct. 11, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Center, 301 East Mountain Drive, in Fayetteville.
The Bradford Pear Tree Bounty is a program encouraging property owners to remove invasive Bradford Pear trees. Property owners who bring proof of Bradford Pear tree removal can get a free replacement native tree. Pre-registration for participation in the event is required. Interested homeowners may register by visiting the NC Bradford Pear Bounty website at https://www.treebountync.com/. In addition, the website provides additional information on program participation requirements.
Bradford Pear trees are not native to the United States, but are cultivars of the Callery pear, which was brought to the U.S. from China in the early 1900s. Bradford Pear trees spread quickly and compete with native tree species.
Bradford Pear trees are structurally weak and readily break during wind, snow or ice storms, creating messy debris for homeowners. In addition, when Bradford Pear trees cross and escape into native ecosystems, they often have long, sharp thorns capable of popping tractor tires. Bradford Pear trees also give off a stinky smell when they blossom in the spring.
The Bradford Pear Tree Bounty is a collaborative effort between North Carolina State Cooperative Extension, N.C. Forestry Service, N.C. Wildlife Federation and the N.C. Urban Forest Council.
For more information on the program, contact Allen West at 910-321-6870 or via email at [email protected].
For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Lisa Childers at 910-321-6880, no later than 10 business days before the event.
ABOUT N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC State Extension, The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and local government partners statewide. Extension delivers research-based education and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T that enriches the lives, land, and economy of North Carolinians. Extension professionals in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee provide educational programs specializing in agriculture, youth, communities, health, and the environment.
Please read program requirements before registering!
