One of the most important things you can do for the environment is plant a tree. Trees provide habitat for 100s of insects, birds and mammals as well as lower the urban heat index, suck up stormwater and release oxygen into the air. University of Delaware Professor of Entomology and author of Bringing Nature Home, goes further and identifies trees as keystone plants for the food chain. He writes “Take a keystone native plant like an oak tree. More than 500 types of caterpillars can eat that oak tree. That allows for a more complex and, thus, more stable food web.” https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2020/december/doug-tallamy-native-plants-food-web-insects-birds-survival-earth/
As more and more trees are cut down to allow for development, planting trees private property becomes even more important. Fortunately, the District of Columbia and Maryland recognize the value of trees and offer several programs for homeowners.
In Montgomery County:
Free Shade Trees: Montgomery County will install shade trees and provide aftercare guidance —all for free. Request a tree at https://treemontgomery.org/request-a-tree/
Free Buffer Bundle: The State of Maryland has bundles of saplings for homeowners who live along or near a waterway. It can even be a drainage ditch. https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/programs/Backyard-Buffer-Program.aspx
$25 Coupon: The Marylanders Plant Trees program started in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Citizens can still take advantage of the coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. Find a participating nursery and print your coupon at https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/MarylandersPlantTrees/Introduction.aspx
Free Saplings for Earth Month: Montgomery Parks’ Arboriculture division is hosting two free tree seedling giveaways. Attendees will receive a minimum of 2 tree seedlings, one flowering tree and one shade tree. More available upon request while supplies last. Two locations!
Seedling Giveaway at Black Hill Regional Park
Date: April 10, 2021, Time: 8 am-12 pm, rain or shine, in 15-minute time slots*
Location: Black Hill Regional Park, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Maryland 20841. This event will be setup in the Shelter J parking area. Follow the posted signs to the event. You must register for a drive-through pick-up time slot by reserving a timed ticket,
Register for a pick-up time: http://mocoparks.org/SeedlingsBlackHill
Seedling Giveaway at Olney Manor Recreational Park|
Date: April 17, 2021, Time: 8 am-12 pm, rain or shine, in 15-minute time slots*
Location: Olney Manor Recreational Park, 16601 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD 20832. This event will be setup in the Field #1 parking lot area. Follow the posted signs to the event. You must register for a drive-through pick-up time slot by reserving a timed ticket.
Register for a pick-up time: http://mocoparks.org/SeedlingsOlney
In DC:
$100 Rebate: Casey's Trees in DC offers up to $100 rebate for each tree you plant in DC. https://caseytrees.org/resources/tree-rebate/
Free Trees: The DC government will plant a tree on your property for free in their River Smart Homes program. You can pick from a wide selection of native shade trees and smaller ornamental trees. https://caseytrees.org/plant/residential-planting/