Photo: Steven Martin, CC 2.0

Fayetteville is once again offering a free tree to anyone who cuts down a Bradford pear, and this year the bounty also includes bush honeysuckle.

The Bradford pear bounty began in 2019, and garnered national attention for the city’s Urban Forestry program.

Bradford pear trees and bush honeysuckle are considered invasive plant species that spread quickly and choke out native trees, shrubs, and flowers.

In an effort to spread awareness and discourage the spread of these two species, city staff will give one native tree or shrub to any resident who cuts down a Bradford pear or removes a bush honeysuckle shrub on their property within the city limits.

To qualify, residents are asked to take a picture of their cut-down Bradford Pear tree or bush honeysuckle in early spring. Then bring the photograph to one of the locations listed below or email the picture to urbanforestry@fayetteville-ar.gov. Include your name, address, and phone number. Limit is one tree or shrub per household while supplies last. Trees will be given away on a first-come first-serve basis. Fifty (50) native trees—including bald cypress, red oak, black gum, and chinquapin oak—and twenty-five (25) native shrubs will be available to choose from. Shrub species will be identified later.

For questions about the promotion, call the Parks and Recreation office at 479-444-3471.

Pick-up dates and locations

– April 6 or 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department Office located at 1455 S. Happy Hollow Road
– April 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Farmers’ Market on the Downtown Square in front of the Town Center