While a commonly seen tree in urban areas, the Bradford pear or Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a non-native, invasive tree that is threatening ecosystems throughout the eastern and midwestern U.S. The Virginia Department of Forestry’s “Callery Pear Exchange” program promotes the removal of these invasive trees by providing Virginia landowners with a free replacement native tree. By removing your Bradford Pear tree and replacing it with a native tree, you will reduce the spread of Callery pear within our natural areas and promote plantings that support our native pollinators. 

One native tree in a 2-gallon pot will be provided for every Callery pear tree that has been removed, with a limit of three (3) trees per household. Pre-registration is required as a limited number of trees will be available. Visit VDoF’s website for more details.

About Richmond Tree Week

Richmond Tree Week (RTW) is an annual autumn event series that celebrates Richmond's urban forests, showcases the incredible urban greening efforts happening across our city, and reaffirms our commitment to expanding tree canopy and cooling down communities. Richmond Tree Week 2025 is happening citywide from Saturday, November 1st, through Saturday, November 8th, 2025. Enjoy 30 free tree events, including volunteer plantings, tree giveaways, walking and biking tours, educational workshops, and opening and closing parties.