From CITY OF BOWLING GREEN
The work to remove and replace Callery pear trees planted in the city rights-of-way will continue this fall. Beginning the week of Sept. 28, the Urban Forestry Division will be removing Callery pears located along Wren Road. The removal of the trees will take 3-5 days to complete. Removed trees will be replaced this fall and residents directly adjacent to the tree removals will receive direct notification.
Intermittent parking restrictions may be necessary as this project progresses. Tree removal areas where crews are working will be clearly marked.
Callery pear, a once popular choice for landscapes and street trees, has been found to be highly invasive. An invasive species is a non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, human, animal, or plant health. The Callery pear is particularly invasive due to its ease of reproduction. It overtakes natural areas and chokes out desirable native species. Cultivars and varieties of Callery pears include Cleveland select, Whitehouse, and Bradford, among others.
Beginning in January of 2023, Callery pear was added to the list of banned invasive plants in Ohio, making it illegal to produce, plant, or sell these trees in the state. The ban does not regulate existing plants, so residents should not panic if this tree is currently planted on their property. However, removal of existing trees will reduce the spread.
The city’s Urban Forestry Division will strategically remove and replace Callery pears that are planted on city property and rights-of-way.
For more information, visits the Ohio Department of Natural Resources webpage at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/invasive-plants/callery-pear.
For direct questions or concerns, contact the Urban Forestry Division at arborist@bgohio.gov or call 419-353-4101.
