{"id":47053,"date":"2026-03-31T15:10:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=47053"},"modified":"2026-04-06T16:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T20:02:08","slug":"planting-with-a-purpose-marylanders-invited-to-help-reach-five-million-trees-by-2031","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/03\/31\/planting-with-a-purpose-marylanders-invited-to-help-reach-five-million-trees-by-2031\/","title":{"rendered":"Planting with a Purpose: Marylanders Invited to Help Reach Five Million Trees by 2031"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Two

Volunteers from McClintock Distilling and their partners planted 60 native trees along a new public walking trail at Othello Regional Park in Knoxville on March 27. The planting took place with assistance from the Maryland Forest Service and Frederick County Parks and Recreation. The project was funded through a Gift of Trees donation from McClintock Distilling and a grant from the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.<\/p><\/div>\n

Since 2021, Maryland\u2019s <\/span>5 Million Trees<\/span><\/a> program partners and supporters have planted more than 1.5 million native trees across the state. While significant, 3.5 million more trees must be planted to reach the state\u2019s ambitious goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031. Marylanders can play a direct role in closing that gap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marylanders can join the effort by planting and <\/span>registering<\/span> <\/a>trees. Interested individuals can participate through available <\/span>programs<\/span><\/a> for landowners and communities, partner with a local tree planting specialist to initiate a project, or work with a forester for technical assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrees help fight climate change, absorb carbon, provide clean oxygen, and improve air quality in urban and rural areas,\u201d said Isaac Whitmore, 5 Million Trees program coordinator for the Maryland Forest Service. \u201cThey also reduce urban heat, support wildlife habitat, and improve water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When to Plant<\/b><\/p>\n

Spring is a great time to plant trees as it gives young trees a strong start during the growing season. As temperatures warm and daylight increases, trees begin actively growing roots and leaves, which helps them establish quickly. Spring typically brings more consistent rainfall, reducing the need for frequent watering. Fall can also be a good time as cooler temperatures reduce stress on the tree while still allowing roots to grow in warm soil.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Five<\/a>What Trees Count<\/b><\/p>\n

To count toward the 5 Million Trees goal, plantings must meet the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n