Fayetteville Offers Bounty for Removing Invasive Mimosa Trees

City's plant removal program expands to target the fast-spreading silk tree.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas is continuing its annual invasive plant removal program, this year adding the mimosa tree, also known as the silk tree, to the list of targeted species. Residents who remove these and other invasive plants from their property can receive a free native tree or shrub as a replacement.

Why it matters

Invasive plant species like the mimosa tree can quickly spread and outcompete native plants, disrupting local ecosystems. Fayetteville's program aims to raise awareness and discourage the growth of these problematic plants by incentivizing their removal.

The details

Through the city's program, residents can receive one free native tree or shrub for removing mimosa trees, Bradford pear trees, bush honeysuckle, Chinese privet, tree of heaven, golden bamboo, English ivy, or Nandina from their property. Participants must take a photo of the removed plants and email it to the city between February 24 and March 20. The native species being offered will be announced closer to the April 6-9 pickup period.

  • The city's invasive plant removal program runs annually.
  • Residents must submit photos of removed plants between February 24 and March 20, 2026.
  • Free native trees and shrubs can be picked up April 6-9, 2026.

The players

John Scott

Fayetteville's Urban Forester, who is overseeing the invasive plant removal program.

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What’s next

The city will announce the specific native tree and shrub species available for pickup closer to the April 6-9 distribution dates.

The takeaway

Fayetteville's invasive plant removal program demonstrates how cities can proactively address the threat of non-native species by incentivizing residents to remove problematic plants from their own properties.