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 money 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.

Due to popular demand, we are doubling our tree giveaway in 2026! 6,000 native trees will be available to Howard County residents, who can choose up to two trees per address.  

Sign up here to join our Annual Tree Giveaway email list. We will send you an email reminder prior to this year’s giveaway.

If you have a question, please email Megan Mills at mlhmills@howardcountymd.gov. 

Residents will also be able to choose between two pick-up locations that will be open on five dates during the last week of September. For safety reasons we will only allow a certain number of pickups on each of those dates at each location. We will have several tree deliveries throughout the week, so you can be assured of a great selection.  

In August (date TBD), 2026 you will be able to sign up for your trees from the link below. We will release the trees in 3 batches with 1/3 of each species being released at each time. Times will be 10 AM, 2PM and 7PM. This will help to reduce traffic to the site and hopefully keep our website functioning as 1000’s of people place their order at the same time. 

This is where you will find the link to sign up in August (not currently active) 

If the link is not working for you, refresh your page and try again. The link will not be live until exactly 10:00AM on August (date TBD),2026. If you are on the page prior to that time, you must refresh your page for the link to be live.  

Helpful Information

When selecting your tree, if it does not appear in the drop-down list, there is no longer any inventory for that species, so be ready with your second and third choices.  

When selecting your location and date, if your choice does not appear on the drop-down list, that date is full and you must select a different pickup location and/or date.  

Inventory moves quickly!!! We may run out of inventory (tree species or dates for pickup) in the time that you add your selection to your cart and then press order. In that case you will receive an error message and can try again with a different selection.  

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 from six pickup dates: 

• Tuesday 9/22/26 11am-3pm 
• Wednesday 9/23/26 3-7pm 
• Friday 9/25/26 11am-3pm 
• Saturday 9/26/26 9am-1pm 
• Tuesday 9/29/26 11am-3pm 
• Wednesday 9/30/26 3-7pm 

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. You may have another person pick up your tree for you. Make sure they know the name that you used to place your order.  

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 of this page. Always remember to call Miss Utility before you dig.  

Helpful Tips for Picking Up Your Tree  

•  If your order goes through you will receive a confirmation email, as well as a few reminders that your pickup date is coming up. If you do not receive any of these emails, please contact Megan Mills at mlhmills@howardcountymd.gov. If you wish to avoid traffic and waiting times, do not arrive within the first 45 minutes of opening at your tree pickup location. That is when most people show up. 
• If you arrive at the incorrect location, you will be given directions to the other location (our delivery for each pickup day is specific to that day and location).   
• If you miss your pickup date, you may pick up your tree on a later giveaway date, but you may not pick up your tree early (our tree delivery for each pickup day is specific to that day and location). 
• It is recommended to bring a bag, tarp or blanket to lay your tree on to keep your car clean.  Here is a link to a helpful video on how to load your tree (and how not to!).  
• All trees will be rooted in 5-gallon containers and will vary in height from 3 to 10 feet. Please plan accordingly.  
• Please be prepared to load your tree into your car without assistance.  

About the Trees

Below are the tree species that will be given away during this year’s Annual Tree Giveaway. The trees will be in 5-gallon containers and approximately 3 to 10 feet tall. 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.  

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.   

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.   

Alleghany Serviceberry (Amelanchier leavis)- grows to a height of 15-25' with a spread of 15-25'. A small understory tree that prefers partial to full shade and moist, but well drained soils. Blooms early in the spring with small white flowers, making it a great pollinator species. Dark purple berries in the late summer attract birds. 

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)- grows to a height of 60-100’ with a 50-75’ spread. Prefers full to partial sunlight and moist to wet soils. The Swamp White Oak provides food and shelter and is considered to have high wildlife value. Vibrant red fall foliage. This is one of the trees with the highest survival rates that we plant here in Howard County, even when planted in drier soils. 

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. 

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.  

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. Small yellow flowers in the spring and produces an edible berry in the fall. Attracts pollinators, songbirds and other wildlife. Considered to have 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. Does well in wet areas but can tolerate upland and rocky soils as well. Provides pollinators with early spring blooms and has vibrant fall foliage. 

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Volunteer Tree Savers help save native trees on Howard County Parkland by cutting invasive vines off native trees. 

Opportunities

Independent Volunteer Opportunities

Self-guided & self-paced volunteer opportunities are available for those who like to work on their own schedule. You can get together with a couple of friends to volunteer together. Choose the dates, times and location(s) you want to volunteer.

Locations for independent volunteer opportunities

Use the Howard County Interactive Map at https://data.howardcountymd.gov/InteractiveMap.html to locate and confirm county-owned Open Space and Parks. 
From the menu to the left of the aerial map, click the drop-down arrow to the right of "PARKS, OPEN SPACE, & EASEMENTS" and select the box to the right of the following layers: "HOCO OPEN SPACE" and "HOCO PARKS"

• Cedar Lane Park
• Centennial Park
• Meadowbrook Park
• Rockburn Branch Park
• Schooley Mill Park
• West Friendship Park

If you have a location in mind that is owned by Howard County and is NOT found in the list above, please contact Anna Schrad at aschrad@howardcountymd.gov to verify the location and to obtain permission to cut vines within a Park or Open Space owned by Howard County.

Group Volunteer Events

• West Friendship Park Group Volunteer Day

Online Trainings

How to Cut Invasive Vines Using the Window Method

Before & After Photos

Photo of tree with vines before they have been cut:	Photo of tree with vines after they have been cut:
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Resources

Mistaken Identity: Invasive Plants & Their Native Look-Alikes

Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas

Tick Check, Removal, and ID

Use the Howard County Interactive Map at https://data.howardcountymd.gov/InteractiveMap.html to locate and confirm county-owned Open Space and Parks. 
From the menu to the left of the aerial map, click the drop-down arrow to the right of "PARKS, OPEN SPACE, & EASEMENTS" and select the box to the right of the following layers: "HOCO OPEN SPACE" and "HOCO PARKS"

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Tools

Tools can be provided for group events.

Independent volunteers will need to supply their own tools.

Contact

Natural & Historic Resources Office at 410-313-4831.

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 values

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, and 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 List

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. 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. Below are examples of native trees that we plant.

• 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 (free of cost) to Howard County property owners with property lots of 1.5 to 10 acres in size.

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, and 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 that meet the following:

• 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).
• Environmentally sensitive features such as streams or steep slopes.
• Located 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 10 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 rainwater, 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 into vapor. Trees reduce atmospheric carbon by sequestering carbon dioxide 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 List
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. 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. Below are examples of native trees that we plant.

• 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
• 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
• American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana
• Black Willow, Salix nigra
• Common Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis
• Canadian Serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis
• 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, the planting area, and the maximum number of plants which may be ordered. A minimum of 12 trees 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, tree shelter installation and maintenance, and 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 or 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 which is an important aspect of aquatic habitat. The vegetation traps much of the sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants, preventing them from entering our waterways.

In addition to stabilizing the soil, plants utilize most of the trapped nutrients. 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. 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. Below are examples of native trees and shrubs that we plant.

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

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 to the existing marker as possible.

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 deciduous 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.