Free Tree Seedlings Available for Harford 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 Harford 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 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 seedlings suitable for planting in moist soil conditions. The bundle includes a mix of red bud, river birch, hazelnut, sycamore and swamp white 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 Frank Lopez preferably by email or by calling 410-836-4564 to reserve seedlings. Bundles will be available for pickup in April. Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.