From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — Bradford pears trees are now considered an invasive species and both Hendersonville and Henderson County residents may now remove up to five of these trees on their property and get free replacement trees.

The aforementioned tree swap program has been embraced by the Hendersonville Tree Board, which is participating in it. 

To that end, “Bradford pear trees are the early bloomers every spring season, and their white blossoms are signs that winter is just about over,” the Hendersonville Times-News reported on March 13.

However, the HTN story added, “According to an article from the North Carolina State University Extension Forestry, the Bradford pear tree is considered an invasive species, which smells of rotten fish, breaks easily during storms and outcompetes native trees.

“The Bradford pears’ blooms can be seen popping up in early March all throughout Henderson County, and the Hendersonville Tree Board is looking to help stop the trees from taking over,” the HCT noted. 

What’s more, a news release stated that the local tree board has joined in a statewide program, N.C. Bradford Pear Bounty, to remove Bradford pears and provide replacement trees for homeowners willing to participate.

On-line pre-registration, which is required to participate, is underway and participants may register at www.treebountync.com.

Tree removal is the homeowner’s responsibility. and the pickup date for replacement trees is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. May 4 at Hendersonville Operations Center, 305 Williams St., Hendersonville.