Photo: Steven Martin, CC 2.0
Fayetteville will once again offer a free tree to anyone who cuts down a Bradford pear or a bush honeysuckle, and this year the bounty includes Chinese privet.
The bounty program began in 2019, and garnered national attention for the city’s Urban Forestry program.
Bradford pear trees, bush honeysuckle and Chinese privet 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 or Chinese privet on their property within the city limits.
To qualify, residents are asked to take a picture of their cut-down invasive species in early spring. Then bring the photograph to one of the locations listed below or email the picture to [email protected]. 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 twenty-five (25) native shrubs will be available to choose from.
For questions about the promotion, call the Parks and Recreation office at 479-444-3471.
Pick-up dates and locations:
City residents may pick up their reward trees and shrubs April 5 -15 on weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department Office located at 1455 S. Happy Hollow Road.
