Register Here for the Bounty
WHEN: March 21, 2026; 9AM - 11AM
WHERE:Downtown Discovery Garden, 25 Riverside Circle, Hayesville
Bradford pears were once planted for their showy white spring blooms; they are now widely recognized as a problem tree. Its weak branch structure makes it prone to splitting and storm damage, and it spreads aggressively into woodlands, pastures, and home landscapes where it outcompetes native plants.
The Bradford Pear Bounty is designed to educate property owners and businesses about the impacts of Bradford pears and to encourage their removal and replacement with more suitable tree species.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Clay County Center and the Clay County Master Gardeners are excited to bring this program to Clay County in 2026.
If you have a Bradford pear on your property and would like to participate, please review the program requirements below.
Requirements:
- Registration is required
- Up to 5 Bradford/Callery Pears can be exchanged for up to 5 free native tree replacements
- Free native tree replacements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. An example of what native trees will be provided is available here. Trees available on the day of the event will be based on nursery inventory.
- Participants MUST attend during the event to exchange their tree.
- A before-and-after photo must be brought to the event showing the tree standing and the tree cut down. An additional photo of the bark will also be required for identification.
- Tree removal is the homeowner’s responsibility.
- Any North Carolina resident is eligible; Clay County residents are preferred.
- Once the tree is removed, it is recommended to treat the stump with herbicide to prevent resprouting.
Register Here for the Bounty
For questions or more information, contact Tyler at the Clay County Center - (828) 389-6305 or tosborn@ncsu.edu
Bradford Pear, other varieties, and their invasive offsprings
This program is a partnership with the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Clay County Center, and funded by the Clay County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers through their annual plant sale fundraiser.
