Bradford Pear trees are known for having pretty blossoms, but also for their foul odor. These trees are not native to the United States, but can be spotted throughout South Carolina. They also pose a threat to our system during storms. Bradford Pear branches are known for breaking during storms and causing outages.
Homeowners have the opportunity to cut down their Bradford Pear trees and replace up to five for an equal number of free, healthy, native, replacement trees through the Bradford Pear Bounty. This is a collaboration between Clemson Extension and the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Horry Electric will not cut down Bradford Pear trees for members, unless the tree is in our right-of-way area and on the schedule for our trimming cycle. Property owners are responsible for tree removal.
These are the participation requirements from Clemson Extension’s website:
- Pre-registration is required, once available.
- Only the property owner can register and get the trees.
- Any South Carolina resident can participate in the program.
- Property owners are responsible for tree removal.
- Take a photo of yourself with the cut tree (a selfie, if you will) and bring it to the exchange event.
- Replacement trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. If your preferred replacement tree is not available at the time of distribution, you will be provided with a healthy alternative. Specific tree species cannot be reserved ahead of the event.
Horry County’s exchange date is set for Saturday, March 5 from 8 a.m. until noon at 200 Laurel Street in Conway. For more information, click here.