Callery Pear Buyback 2024 | Missouri Invasive Plant Council (2024)

Callery Pear Buyback 2024 | Missouri Invasive Plant Council (1)

Thanks to all who made our 2024 Buyback possible!

Read a summary about this past event here.

Registration and Sign-Up

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 (Bradford) pear “buyback” program in locations around the state on April 23. Homeowners are invited to cut down one or more Callery pear trees and receive one free, non-invasive tree at this event.

To be eligible for one free native tree, participants must register and 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 23, from 3–6 p.m.

Registration is open March 15 – April 15.

1. Select your location below and register in your location-specific linked form.

St. Louis, MO – SOLD OUT
Columbia, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Springfield, MO – SOLD OUT
Joplin, MO
Lebanon, MO
Hannibal, MO
Farmington, MO
Kennett, MO
Rolla, MO
West Plains, MO – SOLD OUT
Kirksville, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Kansas City Area: For information on Kansas City, MO, and Kansas area events, seethe Deep Roots website.

2.There will be a link within the form to submit a photo of your cut-down Callery pear tree(s).

3. Pick up your tree April 23, 3-6pm. Location details and directions will be provided upon registration.

For more information about this program or MoIP, contactinfo@moinvasives.org.

Plan Ahead

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

Your Free Tree

Q: I removed multiple Callery pear trees. How many native trees can I get?

A: One. We encourage you to cut down multiple Callery pears, but each household can receive 1 free tree. The goal of this event is to educate the public about the problems of the invasive Callery pear. To reach the most people, our resources are limited to one native tree per household. The cost to grow and distribute trees is covered by nonprofits who need your support to reach more people. Please considerdonatingto help fund future events!

Q: Does the free tree have to replace the Callery pear?

A: We prefer not to call it a replacement tree because the tree species you choose could be planted in a different location. You might want to choose a tree with a completely different height, appearance, and function. For example, you might choose a tall oak that provides shade to your house and acorns to feed wildlife.

Q: Which species of native trees can I choose from, and how do I select one?

A:You will get to select a species preference during registration.Choose your location, register via the linked form, and follow the prompts to view and select your tree species available for your location. Then, click the link within the form to upload a photo through a separate form.

Our partners in this program,Forest ReLeaf of MissouriandForrest Keeling Nursery, work hard to donate a good selection of tree species that will grow to a variety of heights, including small, medium, and tall canopy trees. The selection of trees also provides a range of benefits to homeowners and native species, including beautiful spring flowers, colorful fall leaves, and/or food for wildlife.

Columbia
- Buttonbush – SOLD OUT
- Flowering Dogwood – SOLD OUT
- Northern Red Oak – SOLD OUT
- Nuttall Oak
- Overcup Oak
- Redbud – SOLD OUT
- Serviceberry – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak
- Swamp White Oak – SOLD OUT
- White Fringetree – SOLD OUT
St. Louis – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush – SOLD OUT
- Flowering Dogwood – SOLD OUT
- Nuttall Oak – SOLD OUT
- Pawpaw – SOLD OUT
- Redbud – SOLD OUT
- Serviceberry – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak – SOLD OUT
- White Fringetree – SOLD OUT
Joplin
- Cherrybark Oak
- False Indigo
- Northern Red Oak
- Redbud – SOLD OUT
- Swamp Chestnut Oak – SOLD OUT
- White Fringetree – SOLD OUT
Springfield – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush – SOLD OUT
- False Indigo – SOLD OUT
- Flowering Dogwood – SOLD OUT
- Northern Red Oak – SOLD OUT
- Serviceberry – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak – SOLD OUT
- Swamp White Oak – SOLD OUT
- White Fringetree – SOLD OUT
Lebanon
- Black Gum – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush
- KY Coffeetree
- Shumard Oak
Cape Girardeau
- Black Gum – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush
- Cherrybark Oak – SOLD OUT
- Flowering Dogwood – SOLD OUT
- KY Coffeetree
- Pawpaw – SOLD OUT
- Swamp Chestnut Oak
Farmington
- Black Gum
- Buttonbush – SOLD OUT
- Cherrybark Oak
- Flowering Dogwood – SOLD OUT
- KY Coffeetree – SOLD OUT
- Swamp Chestnut Oak – SOLD OUT
Kennett
- Black Gum
- Buttonbush
- Cherrybark Oak – SOLD OUT
- Overcup Oak
- Swamp Chestnut Oak – SOLD OUT
Hannibal
- Black Gum – SOLD OUT
- False Indigo – SOLD OUT
- Northern Red Oak
- Swamp White Oak
Rolla
- Black Gum – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush
- KY Coffeetree – SOLD OUT
- Pawpaw – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak – SOLD OUT
West Plains – SOLD OUT
- Buttonbush – SOLD OUT
- KY Coffeetree – SOLD OUT
- Pawpaw – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak – SOLD OUT
- Swamp White Oak – SOLD OUT
Kirksville
- False Indigo
- Northern Red Oak
- Serviceberry – SOLD OUT
- Shumard Oak
St. Joseph
Kansas City:For information on Kansas City, MO, and Kansas area events, seethe Deep Roots website.

Q: Why are the trees so small?

A: The native trees available are young trees in 3-gallon containers that stand about 2-4 feet tall. This size was selected by tree professionals as the best size for you and your tree. It is less stressful on the tree to plant it when it is smaller, and survival rates of trees are better at this size. Trees at this size are manageable for people to lift, take home in their vehicles, dig the right size of hole for, and plant. Additionally, the cost to grow and care for trees for 3-5 years does have an impact on how many people we can reach through this program.

Q: How do I plant and care for my new tree?

A: Here are some great resources for basic tree care information.

Identification and Removal

Q: How do I know if I have a Callery pear?

A: Bradford and Cleveland Select are just two of 26 cultivars of the Callery pear. They can all be identified using Callery pear ID informationavailable here.

Q: I want to remove Callery pear from my property. What is the best way to ensure it does not grow back?

A: Please see theseEffective Control of Callery Pearinstructions by Dr. Reid Smeda, MU Extension. More removal information isavailable here.For professional help, please refer to the Grow Native! Resource Guide listings forArboristsand Land Care & Landscape Services.

Q: Where can I get help having my Callery pear professionally removed?

A: Please refer to the Grow Native! Resource Guide listings forArboristsandLand Care & Landscape Servicesto find professionals in your area who can, for a fee, assist with tree removal. These companies support the Grow Native! mission to protect and restore biodiversity.

Q: There are Callery pear trees on public property. What can I do about them?

A: If you have concerns about Callery pears on public property, contact the relevant agency (MODOT, the county road department, the city, etc.).

Registration and Pick-Up

Q: How do I register?

A: When registration opens, follow these steps:

Select the registration link for your specific location (see list above).
Register in your location’s form (linked above).
Select one tree type from the available tree species.
After you are registered, click the link within the registration form to upload a photo.
Pick-up details will be in the confirmation email. This includes the address, pick-up date, pick-up time, and any details relevant to your pick-up location.

Q: I cut down my Callery pear in the past year. Can I still get a native tree to replace it?

A: Yes, but the program rules still apply: register and submit a photo of the downed tree or cut stump, preferably with you in it.

Q: I live too far from any of the participating locations to make the trade worth it. Are any other locations doing a Buy-back?

A: On this page above, you can see this year’s participating locations.Each year, the Callery Pear Buy-back is more and more successful, and we continue to make a case for expanding the program to other parts of the state. Please consider hosting a location to help bring this event to your area!

Q: Where can I find pick up information for my location?

A: When you register, make sure to choose the registration link for your location. After you register, pick-up information will be in the confirmation email. This includes the address, pick-up date, pick-up time, and any details relevant to your pick-up location.

Q: I had problems registering or uploading a photo.

A: Email your information and tree photo toinfo@moinvasives.organd we will get you signed up.