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Plant Trees

About the Program

Blue Water Baltimore’s Restoration Team focuses on planting and caring for new trees in all kinds of spaces across our watersheds including streets, yards, parks, schools, stream buffers, residential properties and private institutions.

Thanks to the helping hands of volunteers, we have planted thousands of trees across the Baltimore region and continue to prune, water, mulch, and maintain hundreds of new trees annually. Our goal is to increase the local tree canopy to 40% coverage, which is recommended for a healthy city. This work is possible due to the support & funding from many diverse sources including TreeBaltimore, Baltimore Gas and Electric, The Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability, The Chesapeake Bay Trust, and The Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Trees make a big impact for clean water and healthier, happier communities.

Trees keep our waterways clean. Their canopies intercept and slow down rainfall. Their roots absorb and filter rushing stormwater that would otherwise create pollution problems in our waterways. Every tree makes a difference. By planting and caring for trees in our yards and public spaces, we can improve the health of our neighborhoods and environment.

  • Improve air quality and protect human health

  • Keep our communities cooler and combat “heat islands“

  • Reduce energy bills

  • Increase property values

  • Support native wildlife

  • Beautify communities

  • Keep our water clean!

Get Involved

All upcoming events can be found on our calendar.

  • Volunteer Tree Plantings

Our planting seasons occur from April-May and October-December. No experience necessary. All ages & abilities our welcome to get your hands dirty for clean water!

Blue Water Baltimore tree planting with One Water Partnership congregants at Cherry Hill Homes, 2018

  • Neighborhood Tree Plantings

Your neighborhood, church, synagogue, school, or business may be eligible for new trees. If you have the space and the interest, we may have the trees and tools. Contact us to suggest a location near you. Note that we cannot accept all requests for assistance.

  • Free Tree Giveaways

Each year, Blue Water Baltimore gives away 1,000 free trees to residents of Baltimore City and County. We offer a variety of native species ranging from understory flowering and fruiting trees to large canopy trees. Our goal is to increase the local tree canopy and biodiversity as well as inspire residents about the many benefits of urban greening. We are also always looking for volunteers to help give away the trees.

Interested in hosting a tree giveaway event near you? Contact us with a suggested venue.

For advice on how and where to plant your free tree, check out these helpful hints from our partners at TreeBaltimore as well as our How To Plant blog.

 

Tree giveaway volunteers at Fairwood Forest, a protected forest patch of Baltimore Green Space

  • Tree Maintenance

Tree planting is just the first step. We are dedicated to improving long-term tree survival and young trees need care! It takes about 2-3 years to establish a tree before it can survive on its own. Join us for seasonal tree care including pruning, mulching, watering, invasive species removal and installing protection from deer and mowers.

  • Become A Baltimore TreeKeeper

TreeKeepers is a city-wide tree stewardship program open to anyone interested in Baltimore’s trees. TreeKeepers promote healthy trees by educating residents and increasing their role in the care of the City’s trees. Through this training, citizens can become tree advocates and share the responsibility to plant and care for trees in their neighborhood and throughout the City.