The Fayetteville Urban Forestry department has set out a Bounty for invasive species.
On November 3, 2015, Fayetteville City Council adopted Ordinance #5820.
The ordinance set “a list of eighteen invasive plants to be restricted from being installed in new developments that require a Landscape Plan Review by the Urban Forester,” according to the Fayetteville Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives page.
Out of the eighteen invasive plants mentioned, the city set the bounty out for bush honeysuckle Bradford pear trees, and Chinese privet. The reward for residents is one native tree or native shrub to replace the removed plant.
The City of Fayetteville will not be cutting the species out for residents. Urban Forester, John Scott, encourages residents to remove the species themselves.
“Property owners should cut their tree or shrub or hire a company,” says Scott.
The city provides an online video on how to remove the invasive species, Bush Honeysuckle.
The video recommends the use of safety goggles, thick gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and closed toed shoes. Residents should either cut or pull the plant out, depending on erosion possibility in the area around the plant.
Scott says, “the same techniques for removing bush honeysuckle can be used to remove Chinese privet.”
To qualify for the bounty, one must include:
- A picture with the removed species
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email to urbanforestry@fayetteville-ar.gov
“The limit is one tree or shrub per household while supplies last,” warns Scott, “plants will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Before residents dig, Scott says one must contact Arkansas One Call at 811 or 800-482-8998.