Free Tree Seedlings Available for Cecil County Landowners

Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Cecil County.

County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.

Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.

Each “buffer in a bag” contains 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings suitable for planting in moist soil conditions. This year’s bundle will include a mix of river birch, sycamore, persimmon, red twig dogwood and pin oak. All seedlings are 1-year-old and approximately 8 to 10 inches tall.

Maryland Forest Service staff will provide information on tree maintenance and planting techniques, in addition to suggestions on other good native species at the time of pick up. 

Requests must be received by April 20. Interested property owners should contact Forester Tom Frederick at 410-287-5777 to reserve their seedlings. Bundles will be available for pickup in April. Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.