Bounty Placed on Invasive Plants

By: Elias Weiss

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Not all bounty hunters have long hair and tattoos.

This spring, Fayetteville residents can become bounty hunters in their own front yard by cutting down a Bradford Pear tree or a Bush Honeysuckle plant.

Homeowners who email the city government a picture of their tree or plant cut down will be awarded a free native tree or shrub of their choice, said the Parks & Recreation Department’s Urban Forester, John Scott.

The city is providing 75 options that are sure to suit any yard, Scott said.

“In the Northwest Arkansas region and beyond, Bradford pear trees and bush honeysuckle are considered invasive plant species that spread quickly and choke out our native trees, shrubs, and flowers,” Scott said in a press release. “Native tree and shrub species are more beneficial to the environment and wildlife.”

The City of Fayetteville implemented its Bradford Pear Bounty Program for the first time last year. The Bush Honeysuckle is a new target for bounty hunters this year.

Each household can only claim one reward for their bounty, Scott said.

A video detailing how to identify the Bush Honeysuckle and dispose of it will be posted on the City of Fayetteville’s website soon, according to the press release.