Free Tree Seedlings Available for Anne Arundel County Landowners

Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted Anne Arundel communities.

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

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

Each “buffer in a bag” contains native bare-root seedlings suited for planting in Anne Arundel County. There are different types of bundles available depending on the type and size of terrain. Every bundle will include seedlings that are 1-year-old and about 8 to 10 inches tall.

The Maryland Forest Service and the Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy provide these bundles by working together through the Backyard Buffers program. Staff will supply 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 March 20. Interested homeowners should contact Justin Arseneault at 410-360-8421 to reserve their seedlings. Bundles will be available for pick up after March 20. Quantities are limited so reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis.