Free Tree Seedlings Available for Frederick 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 Frederick 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 eastern redbud, river birch, ninebark, American plum and loblolly pine. 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 March 30. Interested property owners should contact Watershed Forester Sean Weaver at 301-791-4010 to reserve their seedlings. Bundles will be available for pick up in early April. Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.