Free Tree Seedlings for Allegany, Garrett County Landowners

Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 29

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the 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 bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. This year, the species for Allegany and Garrett counties will include a mix of: swamp white oak, winterberry, American plum, river birch, and white pine.

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 pickup. 

Requests must be received by March 29. Allegany County property owners should call forester Adam Miller at 301-777-5590 or e-mail adam.miller@maryland.gov. Garrett County property owners should call forester Melissa Nash at 301-334-3296 or email melissa.nash@maryland.gov.

Bundles will be available for pickup in early April. Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.