Reminder: Loveland Launches “Green Bounty Program” to Combat Invasive Trees

ohiodnr.gov

Each spring, the white blossoms of Callery pear trees dot neighborhoods across Loveland. While they may look beautiful, city officials are reminding residents that these trees are far from harmless.

According to a recent post on Facebook from the city government, many of those flowering trees are Callery pears—an invasive species that spreads aggressively and disrupts local ecosystems. Originally introduced for ornamental use, the trees have since escaped cultivation, crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity across the region.

Now, the city is taking action through its newly announced Green Bounty Program, giving residents an incentive to remove these problematic trees from their own properties.

Under the program, property owners who remove a Callery pear tree can submit before-and-after photos to the city and receive a $60 certificate to put toward the purchase of a native tree or shrub. In addition, participants will receive a 20% discount on further purchases at Bean Native Nursery, helping make the transition to native landscaping more affordable.

City officials say the effort is about more than just removing a single species—it’s about restoring balance to the local environment. Native trees and shrubs provide critical support for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, while also being better adapted to Ohio’s climate and soil conditions.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to act quickly, as the number of available certificates is limited.

More information and submission details can be found through the city’s official program page: https://loom.ly/uBfklo4

As Loveland continues to grow, initiatives like this highlight a broader effort to protect the natural landscape—and give residents a direct role in shaping a healthier ecosystem for years to come.