Invasive Buy Back Program

Invasive Buy Back Program

Polk County Conservation is implementing a Callery (Bradford) Pear and Burning Bush “buy-back” program for residents of Polk County, Iowa. Homeowners are encouraged to cut down one or more Callery Pear trees or Burning Bushes and receive one free, native replacement tree or shrub to plant. (Only one tree will be provided to each participant regardless of how many they cut down).

To be eligible for one free native replacement, participants must register and submit a photo of their cut down tree or shrub. One free native replacement will be provided to each registered participant at a pickup day scheduled for May 31, 2024 from 12-4pm at Easter Lake Park. Most replacements will be in 3-gallon pots and be about an inch in diameter (heights will vary).

Registration is open April 15-May 17 2024 and limited to the first 25 applicants. Apply by clicking here.

These two species cause significant ecological damage across the Midwest. As these two species are not native to the United States, they are able to quickly invade natural areas (due to lack of biological controls) and outcompete native vegetation that is critical for our wildlife.

If you have any questions about the program or identification of a potential invasive species in your yard, please email Cassie Cook at Cassandra.cook@polkcountyiowa.gov

Participants are encouraged to use caution when cutting down trees and shrubs and obtain the help of an arborist or landscape specialist if needed.

 

 

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Has bright red foliage in the fall, can reach 10-15 feet in height, and has corky flaps or “wings” that extend outwards from the stems. The leaves are oppositely arranged on the twig and the fruits are orange fleshy seeds inside reddish capsules.

Removal: Can pull out entire plant, or cut and apply 20% glyphosate solution (such as Roundup) to stump.

 

 

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Small white flowers with petals that are rounded and touch at their bases. The trees bloom in spring, have an egg-shaped canopy, and can grow up to 40 feet in height. Leaves are glossy green and alternately arranged on the twig. Flowers produce a distinctive, foul odor in the spring.

Removal: Cut and apply 25% glyphosate solution (such as Roundup) to cut stump. Seeds can survive for 11 years, occasional checks for regrowth recommended.                                                                                                               

Burning Bush

(Photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Burning Bush

(Photo: Barry Rice, Bugwood.org)

Callery Pear

(Photo: Eric Larson)

Callery Pear

(Photo: commons.wikimedia.org)