Asheville, North Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
In Asheville, North Carolina, forestry officials are urging residents to remove invasive Bradford pear trees that threaten local ecosystems. These trees not only compete with native species but also create hazards due to their weak structure. As part of the Bradford Pear Bounty program, residents can earn free native tree replacements for every Bradford pear tree they cut down. Events are scheduled throughout the fall in cities like Asheville and Fayetteville to encourage participation, while Biltmore Forest offers native tree bundles to restore local canopies.
Asheville, North Carolina – In a concerted effort to combat the invasive spread of Bradford pear trees, North Carolina forestry officials are encouraging residents to remove these trees that threaten native ecosystems. Bradford pear trees, a variety of the Callery pear known for their quick growth and attractive spring blooms, are becoming increasingly problematic due to their invasive nature and detrimental effects on wildlife.
The growth of Bradford pear trees has contributed to the formation of dense thickets that outcompete native species for resources. Their weak branching makes them particularly vulnerable to breaking during storms, creating additional hazards in residential areas. Moreover, the trees produce a foul odor when in bloom, which is often off-putting for residents.
Additionally, the fruit generated by these trees lacks nutritional value, resulting in “food deserts” for local bird species. This has raised concerns among wildlife officials regarding the overall health of local ecosystems. In response to these issues, the North Carolina State Extension has organized three Bradford Pear Bounty events throughout the fall to incentivize the removal of these invasive trees.
During these events, residents can receive up to five free native tree replacements for every Bradford pear tree they cut down. The scheduled events are set for October 4 in Asheville, October 11 in Fayetteville, and October 18 in Goldsboro. Residents are required to pre-register for participation at the designated event website, treebountync.com. While some sessions have reached full capacity, there remain alternatives for those still interested in combating this invasive species.
North Carolinians are encouraged to evaluate their properties for the presence of Bradford pear trees with identification tips provided by the NC Bradford Tree Bounty. These guidelines aim to help residents easily identify and remove the invasive species impacting the local environment.
In addition to state efforts, the town of Biltmore Forest plans to launch its own Forestry Restoration Project, offering native tree bundles to local residents as part of a broader initiative to restore the tree canopy in the area. Each Biltmore Forest household will be eligible to receive one bundle, which contains five different native tree species: white oak, American beech, yellow poplar, maple, and redbud. Distribution of these bundles will occur on April 14 and April 16, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., with a total of 100 bundles available on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency will be required upon pickup.
Residents of Biltmore Forest and surrounding areas are strongly encouraged to participate in such local efforts aimed at restoring and protecting tree canopies, which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Finally, wildlife officials caution drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant during the fall feeding season, as wildlife activity typically increases.
FAQ
What are Bradford pear trees?
Bradford pear trees are a non-native variety of Callery pear known for their rapid growth and dense canopies. However, they are classified as invasive due to their negative impact on local ecosystems and wildlife.
Why should residents remove Bradford pear trees?
These trees outcompete native species, create weak branching hazards, produce unpleasant odors, and their fruit offers little nutrition for local wildlife, leading to food deserts.
What is the Bradford Pear Bounty program?
This initiative allows residents to receive up to five free native trees for each Bradford pear tree they remove from their property as a way to encourage the removal of this invasive species.
When and where will the Bradford Pear Bounty events take place?
Events are scheduled for October 4 in Asheville, October 11 in Fayetteville, and October 18 in Goldsboro. Residents must register beforehand online.
What does the Forestry Restoration Project in Biltmore Forest involve?
This project will provide bundles of native trees to residents in Biltmore Forest to help restore the local tree canopy.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bradford Pear Bounty | Incentive program providing free native trees for removal of Bradford pear trees. |
| Event Dates | October 4 (Asheville), October 11 (Fayetteville), October 18 (Goldsboro). |
| Native Tree Bundle | Available in Biltmore Forest, contains five native species. |
| Registration | Pre-registration required for bounty events. |
| Proof of Residency | Necessary for Bundles in Biltmore Forest pickup. |
| Concerns for Wildlife | Increased wildlife activity during the fall feeding season; caution advised. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Officials Push to Uproot Bradford Pears
- Wikipedia: Callery Pear
- 828 News Now: Biltmore Forest Tree Bundles
- Google Search: Bradford pear tree invasiveness
- AVL Today: Asheville GreenWorks Reforest Asheville Effort
- Britannica: Callery Pear
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
