Arrr, matey: Bounty put on invasive Bradford pear, Chinese tallow trees

MORNING HEADLINES | Lowcountry property owners are being encouraged to exchange up to five invasive Bradford Pear or Chinese tallow trees for an equal number of free, healthy, native, young replacement trees in a partnership between Clemson University and the S.C. Forestry Commission.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension will host a tree giveaway as part of its Bradford Pear Bounty program on Feb. 28 at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, 645 Coleman Blvd. Click here to register.

Bradford pears are not native to the United States, but have been widely planted in South Carolina for years. Though pretty, Bradford pears have a pungent odor and are prone to breaking during storms. Additionally, the trees contribute to one of the worst invasive plant species in the Southeast: the Callery pear.

This year’s tree bounty will also extend to the Chinese tallow for the Mount Pleasant location. The tallow is considered invasive to the area because it can “outcompete native tree species in both forested and residential settings,” according to Clemson’s Home and Garden Information Center.

Pre-registration is required for tree replacement and property owners are responsible for the removal of the tree.

Replacement trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. If your preferred replacement tree is not available at the time of distribution, you will be provided with a healthy alternative. Specific tree species cannot be reserved ahead of the event.

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