Olivette Swaps Invasive Pears for Native Trees | The Locally Times
Residents have until April 16 to register for a free replacement tree, helping restore local biodiversity and prevent storm damage from the brittle, invasive species.
Olivette residents can trade an environmental menace for a native gem, thanks to a new city program offering free trees in exchange for removing invasive Callery pears. Launched April 2, the 2026 Callery Pear Tree Buyback Program aims to boost local biodiversity and combat the non-native species' environmental damage. Residents must register by April 16, 2026, and submit photo proof of a cut-down Callery pear to participate. ## Program Participation Details Joining the 2026 Callery Pear Tree Buyback Program is straightforward for Olivette residents. Simply register online by the April 16, 2026, deadline, submitting a photo of a Callery pear tree removed from your property. In return, each participant receives one free native tree, provided in a three-gallon container and standing 2 to 4 feet tall. The city's program website offers essential resources, including guidance on identifying Callery pears, a list of available native species, and details on tree pickup locations. ## The Problem with Callery Pear Trees Beyond their showy white spring blooms, Callery pear trees (also known as Bradford pears) are a recognized environmental menace. These non-native, invasive trees pose multiple problems: their brittle branches and top-heavy canopy make them highly susceptible to storm damage, their flowers emit an unpleasant odor, and many varieties are thorny. More critically, their aggressive growth chokes out native ecosystems, harming local wildlife and plant species, city officials highlighted in their April 2 announcement. ## Collaborative Conservation Efforts This 2026 Callery Pear Buyback Program is a collaborative effort, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and supported by a coalition of partners. These include the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), the Missouri Community Forestry Council, Magnificent Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation. This statewide initiative aims to remove invasive Callery pears from diverse locations, offering residents a tangible way to enhance environmental health. By replacing invasive species with native trees, participants not only bolster local biodiversity but also help reduce the risk of property damage from storms. ## Program At A Glance **How to Participate:** Register online by April 16, 2026, and submit a photo of your removed Callery pear. **Why Remove Callery Pears?** They are invasive, damage-prone, odorous, and harm native ecosystems. **Your Replacement Tree:** One free native tree, 2-4 feet tall, in a three-gallon container.