A free program is allowing South Carolinians to remove invasive Bradford pears from their properties and replace the trees with native species.
The Bradford Pear Bounty initiative is a partnership between the South Carolina Forestry Commission and Clemson University.
Bradford pears are not native to the U.S. and have been widely planted in the state for years. While the blossoms are pretty, they have a pungent odor and the trees often break during storms.
Homeowners are encouraged to exchange up to five Bradford pears for an equal number of free, healthy, native, young replacement trees. These exchanges take place at in-person bounty events and require pre-registration.
Exchange dates are currently scheduled in Mt. Pleasant, Columbia and Greenville. Click here for additional details about the program and participation requirements.