A Landscape That Will Make A Difference!
The Allegany & Garrett County Backyard Buffer program is ready to begin receiving requests for tree seedlings this year! This long-standing program is for homeowners who have a stream, pond, drainage ditch or other waterway on their property where they would like to enhance the forested buffer. Please visit the link below to apply.
No matter where you live, you live in a watershed! It is important to keep these waterways as clean as possible for future generations. You can plant a backyard forest buffer of native trees and shrubs to help protect and improve water quality in your community!
How Do Trees Help?
Shady streamside forest buffers help to stabilize streambanks, regulate water temperatures, and provide fish and wildlife habitat.
Buffers help recharge local water tables for clean drinking water.
Healthy streamside forest buffers protect water quality by filtering out sediment, fertilizer, and toxic materials before they enter our waterways.
What's in the Bag? More than just FREE TREES!
This year's packets will include white pine, pin oak, American plum, silver maple and hazelnut (5 of each for a total of 25 trees per packet). Seedlings are approximately 1 to 3 ft tall and suited to streamside conditions. Information on tree planting techniques, maintenance, water quality protection and a list of additional beneficial streamside tree and shrub species will also be available with your packet.
No custom packets or substitutions can be made. Requests to participate must be received by March 17th, however the program is likely to reach capacity before that date. Pickup will be scheduled for mid-April. We will follow up with those who have requested trees in late March.
Request Backyard Buffer trees here https://forms.gle/aaF7Kn9mSreaB9ru5
If you are unable to sign up online or have additional questions, contact your county Forest Service Office.
Allegany County - Adam Miller 301-777-5590 adam.miller@maryland.gov
Garrett County - Melissa Nash 301-334-3296 melissa.nash@maryland.gov
Interested in more than 25 trees?
We also have some new tree planting programs that can help landowners plant larger areas at little or no cost. If you have a 1 acre or larger open area you would like to plant (300-400+ trees), please indicate "yes" to the last question on the BYB form and we will follow up with you!
