Project: Plant a tree
Trees work long and hard to benefit the environment.
Trees, especially large trees, offer a long list of benefits besides their natural beauty. They help clean air and water; take up storm water; reduce erosion; provide wildlife habitat; filter carbon dioxide out of the air; serve as windbreaks; and provide shade for buildings, driveways, and outside air conditioners and air-source heat pumps, helping these systems operate more efficiently. Strategically sited shade trees can reduce home energy use by an average of 249 kilowatt-hours per year, or about 2%.
Plant deciduous shade trees – those that lose their leaves in the winter – to shade the southern exposure of your home in the summer, but still allow winter sun to warm your home. Plant evergreens for windbreaks.
Guides and tips for buying, planting and caring for trees.
Study on the energy-saving and carbon-reduction benefits of trees.
Rebates of $150 per tree, up to $600 per property, for planting trees that add to the urban canopy; offered through the Montgomery County RainScapes program.
$25 coupon from the State of Maryland for planting a tree costing $50 or more from the Marylanders Plant Trees Recommended Tree List.
If you live in Rockville, you may be eligible for a $150 rebate per tree through the RainScapes Tree Canopy Rebate Program. Maximum reward is $600.
I know nothing about trees. How do I choose the right one for my yard?
There are several factors that go into choosing the right tree for your yard – size, shape, color, etc. But there are other considerations beside aesthetics too. For instance, while it is general rule that native species will grow best, you still have to consider the type of soil in your yard and how big the tree will eventually grow. Do a little research and observe some key characteristics of your yard, then take this information to the tree expert at your local nursery to find a native species for your yard.
Observe and record the following points:
- Look up! Are there any wires or obstructions above or near where you want to plant a tree? Be sure to imagine how big a tree will grow, not just the size of the tree when it is planted.
- Does your yard currently grow grass well? Do you know what kind of grass in is your yard?
- Is your soil rocky? Are the rocks small like pebbles or larger?
- Does your yard remain wet and spongy a day or two after a rain?
These factors will help you and your nursery choose the best native shade tree for your yard.
Can I help to plant trees in Maryland other than on my own property?
Yes, give the gift of a tree on public land. TREE-MENDOUS Maryland will plant a tree in someone’s honor — or your own — for $40. Native trees are a thoughtful gift that helps our environment for many years.
I have acres of woods on my property. What can I do to protect them for future generations?
If you have five or more contiguous acres of forested land in Maryland, you may be eligible for the American Tree Farm program that will help you manage your woods sustainably. You may also qualify for a reduced property tax assessment if you are willing to keep the land in the Forest Conservation and Management Program for at least 15 years. See the State’s Forest Conservation and Management Program or the American Tree Farm Program for more information.
Why is it important to have trees in urban areas?
The role of trees and forests in our ecosystems is absolutely critical. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. A single large tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year, and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen- enough to support two people.
Besides enhancing the beauty of a landscape, shade trees also provide cost savings. Depending on location, species, size, and condition, shade from trees can reduce utility bills for air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings by 15 to 50%.
To learn more about the importance of shade trees in urban areas, see the American Forests website or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service website.
I took a 2 trees out because they blocked my solar panels. The solar panels produce 30% of my electrical power. It is now 50% of my electrical power since I cut back on my electrical use. I have awnings on the south side that stop sun in the summer and allow it in the winter.
Hi raingarden. I took out an eastern white pine that was raggedy and partly shading my solar panels and am really sorry! The squirrels and woodpeckers are gone, and sightings of other wildlife in the yard have decreased too. The increase in solar panel efficiency is probably offset by decrease in shade to the attic. I have replanted that area with river birch and am squeezing in as many native trees as possible in other parts of this small lot to make up for the mistake.
I have fallen big branch of tree during last windstorm. It belong t neighborhood but fallen in my area of house.
How it can be removed. 301 906 0099.
The Muddy Branch Alliance has started an initiative to plant trees in the Gaithersburg/North Potomac areas. If you are interested, read more about it on our website. If you would like a tree for your yard please do contact us!
http://www.muddybranch.org/pledge-plant-tree-today-muddy-branch-alliance