Pear Tree Free is a program sponsored by the Johnson County Native Plant Partnership (JoCo NPP), duke energy, and Johnson County Soil & Water Conservation District to encourage residents to remove from their properties Callery Pear trees, more commonly known as Bradford Pear. With completion of removal, the landowner will be eligible to receive a free three to five gallon native species, either tree or shrub.
What species are we replacing and why?
Pyrus Calleryana or the Callery Pear is an extremely common and widely planted species of pear tree native to China and Vietnam, yet considerably invasive in the United States. It gained traction within landscaping communities due to its early spring blooms and shape This species has “escaped” properties and is displacing valuable native trees and other important early blooming flora. The vast seas of white blooming trees in early spring particularly along highways is evidence of their invasive movement.
Who is eligible to receive a replacement tree?
Must be a Johnson County, IN resident or property must be located within Johnson County. We are accepting applications from private landowners, public entities, businesses, schools, apartment complexes, and others.
How can you remove Callery Pear from your property?
There are many options for residents to consider and choose what best fits their situation. Participants can hire a Tree Care Contractor to cut and remove these trees. Or, residents can remove on their own. Information will be provided on when and how to apply herbicide on remaining stumps to prevent Callery Pear trees from resprouting.
When do you have to remove your Callery Pear tree to qualify?
The Pear Tree Free Fall 2024 application has to be submitted by September 1st, 2024. If you have previously applied for the program, you must resubmit your application to be eligible for Fall 2024 replacement
Removal must be completed by September 1st, 2024 with proof of removal submitted to the Johnson County Native Plant Partnership
Documentation is required such as an invoice copy from a Tree Care Contractor or before and after photographs of the destroyed trees
Replacement trees or shrubs will be offered on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 from 10am to 2pm. Pickup will be at the Johnson County Soil & Water Office located at 550 E Jefferson St, Franklin, IN 46131
thank you to duke energy for sponsoring this project!
Learn more about planting the right tree in the right place to avoid powerlines and other obstacles