Landscape Callery Pear Replacement Cost Share Program

Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2026 or until funds are depleted.

Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District reserves the right to adjust any aspect of this program at any time.

Purpose

The Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (LCSWCD) is offering a Callery Pear Replacement Cost Share program to financially assist homeowners with the removal and replacement of these problematic trees and any cultivars.  LCSWCD is offering a 50% cost share up to $400 maximum reimbursement.

Why remove Callery Pear?

Callery Pear is an invasive, fast‑growing tree that displaces native plants, reduces habitat diversity, harms water systems, and is prone to storm damage. Originally imported for its flowers and form, its many cross‑pollinating cultivars have spread aggressively into natural areas. 

What trees are eligible?

  • Callery Pear trees and cultivars intended for removal must be located within Lake County, IN.
  • Tree must be ornamental in a landscape setting (a yard for example), not in the woods or field.
  • Limit 1 approved application and reimbursement per household in Lake County, IN.

 

How do I apply?

  • Follow THIS LINK, print and fill out the application, and submit the completed application and photos via email. The photos needed are listed below, and some examples shown.
    • One photo of the tree to be removed showing the whole tree – a “before” photo
    • One photo close up of the leaves with branch of the tree to be removed
    • One photo of the bark on the trunk of the tree to be removed
  • Your application must be approved by LCSWCD before any work can begin. Your decision letter will be sent to the email address on your application.
  • Any costs incurred prior to the application approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

 

What happens after my application is approved?

You can remove the tree and purchase your replacement tree!  Work must be completed within 2 months of approval or reimbursement is forfeited.

~Removal Details

You may choose to remove it yourself or hire a contractor.  If you hire a contractor, we highly recommend you ensure they are properly licensed and insured before starting work on your property.  LCSWCD is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or costs.

Prior to removing or planting a tree, we recommend you contact the proper authorities to ensure you have permission to do so such as in the case of street or parkway trees or other special circumstances.  LCSWCD is not responsible for any fines you may receive for removing trees without permission.

Callery Pear trees can resprout vigorously from the roots even with stump grinding.  To help prevent resprouts, we recommend treating the stump with herbicide within 30 minutes of the final cut to prevent resprouts before stump grinding.  Your contractor may be able to do it or you can yourself.  To achieve maximum effectiveness, we strongly suggest treating the stump with herbicide and waiting 2-3 weeks for it to take effect before grinding the stump.  A guide on how to treat the stump with herbicide can be found HERE borrowed from Hamilton Co. Invasives Partnership.

~Replacement Details

Here is a LIST of preapproved native replacement trees.  Contact our office 219-663-7042 to receive preapproval for any tree NOT on this list to confirm it is not invasive.  If you purchase a tree not on the preapproved list and do not request preapproval of another tree prior to purchasing it, reimbursement is forfeited.

Be sure to contact 811 before you dig!  LCSWCD is not responsible for any damages.

For free technical assistance in choosing a suitable replacement tree for your location, you may contact:

 

I’ve removed my Callery Pear and purchased my replacement tree. What’s next?

Refer back to your approved application to complete “Part 2 (After Removal)”. Then submit the updated application along with final photos and receipts for applicable expenses via email.

  • Photo of the tree being removed or after removal showing it missing taken from the same angle as the “before” photo.
  • Itemized receipt for tree removal showing full payment (if applicable).
  • Receipt for purchased replacement tree showing full payment.
    • If the name of the tree is not on the receipt, please submit an ADDITIONAL photo of the tree’s tag.

 

I’ve submitted my final photo(s) and receipt(s). When do I receive my reimbursement?

After we receive the final photo(s) and receipt(s), you will receive an email confirming the dollar amount of reimbursement.

Following the next LCSWCD Board meeting which occurs the 3rd Thursday of each month, your check will be mailed to the address on your application.

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