Tree Planting

Spring is here, and there is no better time to get outside and plant new trees on your property or in your community. And opportunities to do so abound this time of year. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and many other environmental groups are hosting tree-planting events throughout the region to improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, clean the air and enhance climate resiliency for the watershed.

Registration is now open for the Spring 2023 session of “The Woods in Your Backyard” online course. Our course is designed primarily for small-acreage property owners who want to learn how to care for or expand existing woodlands, or to convert lawn space to woodlands.

The News and Notes roundup for this issue reminds you that now's the time to order tree seedlings for your spring tree planting projects in Maryland and Virginia, looks at a proposal to reintroduce an extirpated species to Pennsylvania's forests, and how you can get your green industry business listed with the Woodland Stewardship Education program's online directory.

Stream restoration projects help property owners and/or managers return disturbed areas to a healthier ecosystem. Providers of stream restoration engineering and infrastructure are available at the link provided.

Back issues of the Branching Out newsletter can be found on this page.

Are you a small-acreage property owner who wants to learn how to care for or how to expand existing woodlands, or how to convert lawn space to woodlands? The join us for our self-directed, non-credit online course. It runs for ten weeks, from September 6 to November 15.

Property owners may wish to enhance privacy and aesthetics and the listed providers can help them achieve their ideal setting.

Planting trees helps your natural areas in many ways. They contribute to cleaner air and water, increase shade to reduce energy costs, and provide habitat for wildlife. Providers of tree planting services are listed here.

Maryland is home to a diverse variety of native trees, plants and insects, as well as some unwelcome non-native interlopers. Listed are some of the most common questions we receive about both native and non-native species.

The News and Notes roundup for this issue features Extension forester Jonathan Kays' interview on Voice of America, a look at why people get lost in the woods, the potential benefit of ghost forests for certain birds, and a new urban tree grant program from the Maryland Department of Transportation.