Save the Date for the Callery Pear “Buyback”

April 18, 2023

The Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), will host a Callery pear “buyback” program in locations around the state on April 18. Homeowners are invited to cut down one or more Callery pear trees and receive one free, non-invasive tree at this event.

Save the Date! 

Starting March 15, registration will be open for Missourians to register for the free tree and upload a photo of the Callery pear tree they cut down. To be eligible for one free native tree, participants must submit a photo of their cut-down Callery pear. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the selected location on the day of the event, April 18, from 3–6 p.m.

Plan Ahead 

Now is the time to plan to take part in this program, starting with identifying Callery pear trees on your property and considering whether you might hire a professional to help cut down the trees.

♦Callery pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) include 26 cultivars (including Cleveland and Bradford pear) that present significant ecological concerns in Missouri. Callery pear limbs generally grow vertically, forming a pyramid or egg shape.

♦Mature trees reach heights of 30-40 feet. When removing trees near buildings or fences, homeowners may want to consider professional assistance. Please refer to the Grow Native! Resource Guide listings for Arborists and Land Care & Landscape Services to find professionals in your area who can assist with tree removal.

♦Identification of the trees is easy when they are blooming. Typically in early April, very dense clusters of white flowers cover the tree before leaves form.

For more information about this program or MoIP, contact MoIP Coordinator Emily Render, info@moinvasives.org, (573) 569-8659, or visit the MoIP callery pear buyback page here.