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 five to seven gallon native species, either tree or shrub.
due to an overwhelming (and amazing!) number of applications for this program, the spring 2024 application is now closed! We will reopen applications for Pear Tree Free again beginning on June 1st, 2024!
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 2024 waitlist is a rolling application. Selected participants will be notified in March of 2024. The application submission is the initial step of the program to state your intention and desire to clear your property of Callery Pear.
Removal must be completed by April 30th, 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 7th, 2023. 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