Forestry

The Forest Mitigation Program was implemented in 1996 through a cooperative agreement between the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Recreation and Parks. The program utilizes the fee-in-lieu monies collected from developers to conduct mitigation on Open Space and Parkland throughout the County. Site selection is determined by prioritizing sites using the following criteria: wetlands and stream buffers, flood plains, steep slopes, forest fragmentation, existing uses, visual buffers and existing regulations. 

To view the Forest Conservation Easements layer and for information on individual easements, please visit the County’s Interactive Map.

The Tree Canopy program was created to improve environmental equity through focused tree planting in communities with lower tree canopy coverage. Trees improve our living space by:

• Reducing stormwater runoff and flooding
• Reducing excessive heat caused by black top and concrete surfaces
• Reducing air pollutants related to asthma and other concerns
• Reducing home cooling costs in summer
• Improving property value

The program provides 1-10 trees and planting services to Howard County property owners prioritized by several factors:

• Existing tree canopy coverage
• Local impervious surface coverage
• Properties with environmentally sensitive features such as streams or steep slopes
• Population density
• Available tree planting space

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining 1 to 10 trees on their property. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation.

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to planting full size canopy trees.

Trees Available

Tree species will be selected, with your input, based on your goals for your planting as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and at least 1” caliper, but substitutions may need to be made based on availability.

• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• American Elm, Ulmus Americana
• Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Tulip Poplar, Lirodendron tulipifera
• Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
• Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• And more…

How to Apply

Contact DJ Scheckelhoff prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. We are currently on a waitlist. We will take your information and contact you prior to the planting season we can accommodate your planting. Planting season is early spring and late fall, weather dependent.

Info: DJ Scheckelhoff, 410-313-1688 or dscheckelhoff@howardcountymd.gov.

The Turf to Trees program was created to help alleviate the damaging effects of stormwater runoff by increasing tree coverage throughout the County. Trees help to abate stormwater runoff by:

• Reducing water through absorption
• Slowing precipitation through canopy coverage
• Binding soil to prevent erosion
• Reducing water through evaporation and transpiration

The program provides trees and planting services to Howard County property owners with lots of 1.5 to 10 acres in size, free of cost.

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining a minimum of 50 trees. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation.

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to creating a contiguous planting, in which the trees are grouped together. However, non-contiguous plantings will be considered to address specific environmental concerns. Perimeter planting (one row of trees around a property) will not be accepted.

Priority will be given to properties with the following

• Properties with 40% or less tree canopy coverage (the layer of leaves, branches and stems of trees that shelter the ground when viewed from above – Howard County staff can assess this remotely).
• Properties with environmentally sensitive features such as streams or steep slopes. 
• Properties in or near the Green Infrastucture Network (County staff can determine if your property is within this area).

Planting requirements

• A minimum order of 50 trees to be planted on a contiguous 1/4 acre; larger plantings are welcome.
• A minimum density requirement of 50 trees per 1/4 acre, about a 15 square foot spacing  
• Five to ten species must be ordered to support biodiversity
• Plantings must be at least 30 feet in width, or two rows of trees deep

Benefits of Tree Canopy
Trees improve water quality by reducing stormwater runoff, intercepting and storing rain water, increasing infiltration through root systems, reducing soil erosion and filtering pollutants. Trees help us by absorbing chemical pollutants, intercepting particulate matter, creating oxygen and cooling air temperature by turning water in vapor. Trees reduce atmospheric carbon by sequestering CO2 in their roots, trunks, stems and leaves. Trees raise property values by increasing curb appeal, creating privacy, reducing noise pollution and reducing heating and cooling costs by shading buildings and blocking winds.

Trees Available
A species list will be created, with your input, based on your goals for your new forest as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and at least 1” caliper, but substitutions may need to be made based on availability.  

• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• American Elm, Ulmus Americana
• Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis
• Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana
• Smooth Alder, Alnus serrulata
• Easter Redbud, Cercis Canadensis
• Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus
• Tulip Poplar, Lirodendron tulipifera
• Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia
• Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida
• Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
• Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
• Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• Loblolly, Pinus taeda
• And more…

How to Apply
Contact DJ Scheckelhoff prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. We are currently on a waitlist. We will take your information and contact you prior to the planting season we can accommodate your planting. Planting season is early spring and late fall, weather dependent. 

To apply for the program, please fill out and submit the Application and Homeowner agreement below via email (preferred), fax or mail. The Tree Request Form and Right of Entry will be needed once a planting plan is in place. 

Turf to Trees Application Agreement.pdf

Tree Placement Guidelines.pdf

Tree Request Form.pdf

Right of Entry.pdf

Info: DJ Scheckelhoff, 410-313-1688 or dscheckelhoff@howardcountymd.gov.

The mission of the Stream Releaf program is to create and enhance riparian forest buffers (protective strips of trees, shrubs and other vegetation's along a stream) to improve water quality and wildlife habitat throughout Howard County. 

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility, planting area and the maximum number of plants which may be ordered. A minimum of 12 tree and/or shrubs must be ordered to participate in the program. The homeowner will choose plants appropriate for their yard from a list of native trees and shrubs provided by the County. All trees and shrubs obtained through the program must be planted on the applicant’s property within 75 feet of a stream.  

The homeowner must commit to planting and caring for the trees and shrubs provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter installation and maintenance, protecting trees and shrubs from deer and other pests. Trees and shrubs will be delivered by the County to the homeowner’s property in the spring and fall. 

Benefits of Stream Buffers
Stream Buffers help prevent stream bank erosion. The vegetative cover dissipates the energy and friction of moving water and the roots help hold the soil in place. Such vegetation also plays an important role in reducing water temperature – an important aspect of aquatic habitat. The vegetation traps much of the sediment, nutrients and other pollutants, preventing them from entering our waterways.

In addition to stabilizing the soil, plants utilize most of the trapped nutrients. In fact, an effective buffer will use up to 80% of the phosphorous and nearly 90% of the nitrogen, two of the biggest pollutants of the Chesapeake Bay.

Plant List
A species list will be created, with your input, based on your goals for your stream buffer as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees and shrubs that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and 1” caliper (shrubs will be much smaller), but substitutions may need to be made based on availability. 

Trees

• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• Pin Oak, Quercus palustris
• Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
• American Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum
• Black Willow, Salix nigra
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis
• Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua
• American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana
• Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana
• Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana

Shrubs

• Smooth Alder, Alnus serrulata
• Canadian Serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis
• Spicebush, Lindera benzoin
• Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum
• Blackhaw Viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium
• Arrowwood Viburnum, Viburnum dentatum
• Red Chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia
• Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa
• Winterberry, Ilex verticilata
• Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis
• Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis

How to Apply
Contact Kyle Crouse prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. To apply for the program, please fill out and submit the Application and Homeowner agreement below via email (preferred), fax or mail. The Right of Entry form will be needed once a planting plan is in place. 

Stream Releaf Application and Agreement.pdf

Tree Placement Guidelines.pdf

Info: Kyle Crouse, 410-313-1636 or kcrouse@howardcountymd.gov

In September 2023, Howard County distributed 3,000 trees to residents.

Registration for the 2023 Annual Tree Giveaway is now closed. All trees have been reserved. If you would like to be sent information prior to next year’s tree giveaway, please sign up here for a notification.

Tree Pick-up Locations 

Tree pick-up locations will be at West Friendship Park in West Friendship and Rockburn Park WEST in Elkridge. You will be able to choose which park you would like to pick up your tree.  

• West Friendship Park- 12985 Frederick Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794 

• Rockburn Park West- 6105 Rockburn Park Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 

Tree Pick-Up Dates 

You will also be able to choose which of the following dates and times to pick up your tree.   

• Wednesday, September 20th 4-7PM 

• Thursday, September 21st 12-4PM 

• Saturday, September 23rd 10AM-2PM 

YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR TREE AT THE LOCATION AND ON THE DATE YOU SELECT. 
Each site will only have inventory for that site and date. If you cannot pick up your tree on either of these dates, please do not reserve a tree. You may have another person pick up your tree for you. Have them bring a printout of your reservation. 

How to Plant a Tree 

Please view our instructional video to learn how to properly plant your tree. For more information on where to plant your tree and safe tree placement, please refer to the information provided in the “Tree Planting and Maintenance Guidelines” section below. Always remember to call Miss Utility before you dig. 

Helpful Information 

• When you reserve your tree, your reservation information will appear. Please take a screen shot of your reservation. You should also receive a confirmation email with this information.  

• At pickup, you will need to bring your printout or picture on your phone of the tree reservation.  

• If you wish to avoid traffic and wait times do not arrive within the first 45 minutes of opening. That is when the most people show up.   

• If you arrive at the incorrect location, you will be given directions to the other location.   

• If you miss your Wednesday or Thursday pickup, you may pick up your tree on Saturday, but you may not pick up a Saturday tree on Wednesday or Thursday (our delivery for each pickup day is specific to that day). 

• It is recommended to bring a bag, tarp or blanket to lay your tree on to keep your car clean.   

• All trees will be rooted in 5-gallon containers and will vary is height from 3’ to 10’. Please plan accordingly.   

• Please be prepared to load your tree into your car without assistance.  

• If you are unable to pick up your tree, someone may pick it up for you. (Make sure to provide them with a copy of your "receipt." 

To learn more details about these tree species, visit https://plants.usda.gov. Trees improve the environment in terms of climate, storm water, energy savings and economic value to homeowners. Learn more about tree benefits at ArborDay.org. 

About the Trees 

The trees will be in 5-gallon containers and approximately 3 to 10 feet tall, although Pawpaw will be at smaller at 18”-36.” All species are native to Maryland, acclimated to our climate and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Please utilize the information below to pick a tree best suited to the conditions of your yard. 

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)– grows to a height of 30-75′ with a width of 20-50′. Lesser known but lovely, prefers partial shade to full sun and can tolerate dry, moist, or seasonally wet soils. Has a greenish flower in the spring, with a black fleshy fruit and stunning red fall foliage. The Black gum is a versatile species with high wildlife value. 

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)- grows to a height of 40-100′ with a spread of 30-75′. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils. Often found in swampy areas and may need extra watering if planted in a dry area. Has a small red flower early in spring and vibrant red to yellow fall foliage. The Red Maple is the earliest spring bloomer.  

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)– grows to a height of 20-50′ with a spread of 20-50′. Prefers partial shade but is often seen growing in full sunlight as well. Prefers dry to moist soils. Grows well in open forests and along forest edges. White spring flowers with a red to orange berry and scarlet foliage in the fall. The Flowering Dogwood has high wildlife value, with fall migrant birds relying on its berries.  

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)- grows to a height of 20-35’ with a spread of 20-35’. Prefers partial sunlight to full shade but is often seen growing in full sun as well. Prefers well drained to moist soils. Tolerates a variety of locations but grows well as an understory species and along streambanks. Pink to purple spring flowers with a seedpod in the fall and golden yellow foliage. The Eastern Redbud is a nitrogen fixing species.  

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)- grows to a height of 50-75’ with a spread of 35-50’. Prefers full to partial sunlight and dry to moist soils. Will grow in a variety of conditions including woodland and open fields, as long as there is no standing water and some sunlight. Persimmon will produce edible fruits when given enough sunlight and have a high wildlife value. In the spring they have a yellowish flower and provide berries in the fall.   

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)- grows to a height of 60-100’ with a spread of 50-75’. Prefers full or partial sunlight and moist to wet soils. Often found along streams and in bottomlands but can thrive in a variety of environments. Swamp White Oak produce acorns and have a high wildlife value.    

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)- grows to a height of 12-30’ with a spread of 12-30’. Can tolerate a variety of light levels from full sun to shade and prefers moist to wet soils. Often found in forested wetlands or on streambanks and pond edges. The Sweetbay Magnolia is semi-evergreen and may lose its leaves during a cold winter. In the spring it will produce large cream-colored flowers and a red berry in the fall. The Sweetbay Magnolia being given away are multi-stem/clump.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)- grows to a height of 20-35’ with a spread of 20-35’. Prefers full sun but does well as an understory species in partial shade. Prefers moist soils and can often be found growing in bottomlands and river valleys. Pawpaw produce large fruits which are edible.  The Pawpaw being given away are smaller than other species choices at only 18-36”.

Alleghany Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)- grows to a height of 15-25’ with a spread of 15-20’. They do well in full sun and partial shade. It can handle moist and dry soils and is often found growing in rich woods, swamp margins, and clearings. It has small white flowers in the spring, red berries in the fall, and a fall foliage color of orange or red.  

River Birch (Betula nigra)- grows to a height of 50-75’ with a spread of 35-50’. Prefers full to partial sunlight and moist to wet soils. Grows well on forest edge, sunny spots along a waterway or bottom lands where water may collect. Has an attractive peeling bark and high wildlife value. The River Birch we will be giving away are single stem.

All tree facts listed above are from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Stu­dents Branch­ing Out pro­vides tree plant­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties on school prop­er­ties to increase tree canopy coverage throughout the County, but also provide a meaningful, hands-on educational experience. Classroom instruction is paired with the tree planting, including learning about the native tree species, tree benefits, and how to properly plant a tree.

So far, over 3,000 stu­dents have planted trees on school grounds! The schools that have been part of the project are:

• Glen­wood MS/Bushy Park ES (fall 2013) – 1,450 trees
• Bon­nie Branch MS/Ilchester ES (spring 2014) – 335 trees
• Dun­loggin MS/Northfield ES (spring 2014) – 420 trees
• Folly Quar­ter MS (fall 2014) – 384 trees
• Lis­bon ES (fall 2014) – 480 trees
• Harpers Choice MS (fall 2014) – 446 trees
• Pat­ap­sco MS (spring 2015) – 280 trees
• Water­loo ES (spring 2015) – 122 trees
• Res­ur­rec­tion St. Paul School (spring 2015) – 62 trees
• Mount View MS (spring 2015) – 150 trees
• Howard High School (fall 2015) – 150 trees
• Bel­lows Springs ES (fall 2015) – 50 trees
• Hol­li­field Sta­tion ES (fall 2016) – 150 trees
• Our Lady of Per­pet­ual Help (fall 2017) – 50 trees
• Mount Hebron HS (spring 2018) – 75 trees
• Mayfield Woods MS (fall 2018) – 170 trees
• Oakland Mills HS (fall 2018) – 50 trees
• Mount View MS (fall 2019) – 150 trees
• Centennial HS (spring 2020) – 75 trees
• Running Brook ES (spring 2022) – 38 trees
• Patuxent Valley MS (spring 2022) – 62 trees
• Phelps Luck ES (fall 2022) – 20 trees
• Long Reach HS (fall 2022) – 20 trees
• Lime Kiln MS (spring 2023) – 24 trees
• Elkridge Landing MS (spring 2023) – 80 trees
• Howard HS (spring 2023) – 20 trees
• Glenelg HS (fall 2023) – 20 trees
• Guilford Park HS (fall 2023) – 100 trees
• Dayton Oaks ES (spring 2024) – 70 trees

• Always call Miss Utility prior to planting your tree.
• Trees should be planted according to their size at maturity, not their size at the time of planting.
• For successful growth, trees must be planted in an area with adequate sunlight and moisture needs for that species.
• Place trees no closer than 12 feet apart.
• Trees should not be closer than 10-15 feet from your house or driveway.
• Trees cannot be planted within 10 feet of a sewer or water line. (Look for public manhole covers or in your yard/driveway there will be a smaller cover that shows the path of your private hookup. Generally, this leads in a straight line. from the sewer, to your individual hookup and then to your house.)
• Trees may not be planted in utility rights-of-way such as, but not limited to, water, sewer, natural gas, or oil pipelines. (Miss Utility will be called to check for these.)
• Trees over 25 feet tall may not be planted within 25 feet of an overhead utility line, trees over 40 feet tall cannot be planted within 40 feet of an overhead utility line.
• Please be careful that trees are not placed in an area with a private underground utility, such as an invisible dog fence, as Miss Utility cannot identify such private utilities. (Howard County is not responsible if a private utility is hit.)

If the planting location conflicts with an underground utility as marked by Miss Utility, please move your marker to the closest safe location, at least 18 inches from the marked line. If our contractors do not deem an area safe due to proximity to a marked underground utility or otherwise they will plant as close as possible to the existing marker.

We hope the following video plus the below instructions help you successfully plant your tree(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atFwgyrJmnI

1. Locate a site for your tree or shrub that allows for an appropriate amount of sunlight and moisture for that species.

2. Dig a hole two times larger than the root system being planted. Plant the tree or shrub at the same level as it grew in the nursery.

3. Neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots and branches with sharp pruning tools. Loosen the root system gently.

4. In the hole, make a mound of soil and spread the plant’s roots out and down over it.

5. Place soil from the hole around the roots. Water the plant when the hole is half full. Add soil and topsoil if needed to fill the hole and completely cover the roots. Pat the soil gently, it is important not to eliminate vital air spaces by stamping it down. Water the plant again.

6. Spread mulch over the planting area to a depth of two to three inches, but do not place mulch against the trunk of the tree or shrub.

7. Do not stake unless the tree has a large, top-heavy crown or if the planting is on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. If these conditions apply, stake the tree for a maximum of one year unless using a tree shelter (please see Sheltering Guidelines).

8. Water the plant as needed, being vigilant in times of drought.

9. At the one-year anniversary of planting, fertilizer may be applied to the tree.

Tree shelters help to protect your tree from deer rubbing their antlers on the stem of the tree and stripping its bark. Please follow these guidelines to install your tree shelter. These shelters cannot be used for shrubs or coniferous trees, only single stem decisions trees.

Installation:

1. Using a mallet or hammer insert stake into the ground about four inches from the base of the tree. Make sure that the stake is deep enough that it cannot be easily uprooted.

2. Wrap the plastic mesh tree guard around the tree trunk so that the opening is facing the stake.

3. Using two or three zip ties, secure the tree guard to the stake, making sure to bind the opening of the tree guard at the same time.

Maintenance:

• Shelters should remain on your tree for at least four years, unless the shelter begins to inhibit the growth of the tree.
• Shelters may periodically need maintenance or re-installation. If a branch grows through the side of the shelter, simply cut a larger hole for the branch to grow.

Trees and shrubs not provided with a shelter can be protected by treating them with repellent or fencing with wooden or metal stakes and a flexible material such as chicken wire.

Watering your newly planted material is crucial for its health and survival, particularly during the summer months.

• The best time to water is early morning (6-9am) or early evening (4-7pm).
• Water once a week when temperatures remain below 65F and at least twice a week when temperatures exceed 70F.
• Do not use a sprinkler on plants in the middle of the day. Water on leaves on a sunny day will burn tender foliage.
• The best method of watering trees is to use a hose on a slow trickle around the root ball of the tree. Allow time for the water to be absorbed into the soil and avoid runoff.
• During winter months watering is not required. Once the ground thaws in the spring watering can resume as needed.
• Trees should receive 10 gallons of water weekly for every caliper inch. For example, a 2.5” tree should receive 25 gallons of water weekly. That can be spread out into two waterings.

Remember, even though it may have rained, the root system of your plant material may not be wet. Soil on the surface around the plant material may be damp while the root system may be bone dry. When in doubt, dig down to the root system. If dry or too wet, adjust watering accordingly. Soil should be moist to the touch but not wet enough to be molded into a ball.