Clemson University Will Replace Your Smelly Bradford Pear Trees... for a Selfie

The Grumpy Gardner just gained an important ally in his war against the Bradford pear tree.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a Bradford Pear Bounty next month, giving area property owners the chance to trade in their smelly, invasive trees for young, native trees free of charge.

The ubiquitous tree our taciturn gardening expert lovingly refers to as "tuna on a trunk," only has one desirable quality: its white flowers. But don't let them fool you. Bradford pear trees are massive, smelly, prone to breaking during storms, and directly contribute to the callery pear, one of the worst invasive plant species in the Southeast. And unfortunately, they're everywhere.

But there is hope.

Clemson's Bradford Pear Bounty gives homeowners the ability to remove their Bradford pears without having to sacrifice their landscaping. On February 29, 2020, Clemson-area property owners can exchange up to five Bradford pear trees for an equal number of free, healthy, native, young replacement trees. Replacement trees include: American beech, bald cypress, black tupelo, "Weaver's White" flowering dogwood, overcup oak, pignut hickory, rusty blackhaw, swamp chestnut oak, sweetbay magnolia, and white oak. The tree trading will take place at Nettles Park in Clemson, South Carolina, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WATCH: Why Bradford Pears Are The Worst Tree

Here’s what you need to do to make Grumpy proud:

• Preregister here. (This is required).
• Take a photo of yourself with the cut tree (because selfie or it didn't happen!) and bring it to the exchange event on February 29.

The fine print:

• Only the property owner can register and get the trees.
• Clemson-area residents are permitted to exchange up to five Bradford pear trees 1:1 for free replacement of your choosing.
• Replacement trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. If your preferred replacement tree is not available at time of distribution, you will be provided with a healthy alternative.