803 200 1915The Great Bradford Pear Bounty: Why the Midlands is “Clearing the Air”
If you’ve lived in the Midlands for any length of time, you know the scent of early spring—and it isn’t always sweet. Along the roadsides of Columbia, Lexington, and Sumter, a sea of white blossoms appears every March. While they might look like a snowy paradise, most locals know them by their less-than-flattering nickname: the "Fish Tree."
The Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) was once the darling of suburban developers. It grew fast, stayed small, and turned a brilliant red in the fall. But what started as an ornamental dream has turned into an ecological nightmare for South Carolina. That’s why Clemson University, in partnership with the SC Forestry Commission, has placed a literal "bounty" on these trees.
The Problem with the "Perfect" Tree
Why is Clemson so determined to see these trees gone? It comes down to three major issues:
- Invasiveness: Originally thought to be sterile, Bradford pears began cross-pollinating with other pear varieties. The resulting "Callery pears" have reverted to their wild state—complete with four-inch thorns that can shred tractor tires and impenetrable thickets that choke out our beautiful native oaks and hickories.
- Structural Failure: Have you ever noticed how many Bradford pears split down the middle after a typical Midlands thunderstorm? Their "V-shaped" branch structure is notoriously weak. They are essentially ticking time bombs for your roof or driveway.
- Ecological "Food Deserts": Our native birds depend on caterpillars to feed their young. Unfortunately, almost no native insects can eat Bradford pear leaves. A yard full of these trees is effectively a food desert for the local songbird population.
How the Bounty Works
The Bradford Pear Bounty program is a one-for-one exchange designed to help homeowners transition to a healthier landscape. Here is the simple process:
- Register: Clemson hosts specific Bounty seasons throughout the year (often in the spring or fall). You must pre-register online.
- Remove: You are responsible for cutting down the Bradford pear on your property.
Proof: Take a "selfie" with your freshly cut stump. - Exchange: Send your photo in and receive a free, high-quality native replacement tree (up to five per household). Better to get it done early because it is first come, first serve.
Past replacement options have included stunning local favorites like the Serviceberry, River Birch, and the Eastern Redbud—all of which provide better shade, stronger branches, and actual food for our local pollinators.
Taking the Next Step
Removing a large tree is no small task, and ensuring your new native tree thrives in our sandy Midlands soil requires a bit of expertise. If you have multiple Bradford pears or a tree that has grown dangerously close to power lines or your home, don't go it alone.
We recommend reaching out to a certified Arborist or a Plant Health Care expert to help with a safe removal plan and to ensure your new "Bounty" replacements are planted for long-term success.
Search
Recent Posts
Arborvitaes, with their feathery foliage and evergreen charm, are a popular choice for landscaping.…
Your backyard oasis deserves to thrive, but sometimes, even the best intentions leave us…
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are the undisputed stars of summer landscapes, boasting vibrant blooms in…
The Dogwood, with its ethereal blooms and striking bark, embodies Southern charm. Despite the…
Spring Tree Diseases in South Carolina Spring in South Carolina is a time of…