Natural Resources & Park Rangers

Mission Statement 

To enhance the experiences of our park patrons by providing quality customer service and information related to park safety, amenities, resources, and regulations while protecting the environment. 

Safety & Reporting

Title 19 Parkland Rules and Regulations

Reporting 
Be a good witness, if you see something, say something!

• In case of an emergency, dial 911.
• Park Ranger Duty Phone (7am-10:30pm): 410-245-1410
• 24/7 DIRT Tip line: 410-313-3478
• "Tell HoCo" mobile application

Trail and Boater Safety
Securing Valuables 

Staying Safe in our Parks
Remember to limit your distractions, paying attention to where you are and who is around you at all times. Bring a friend or a dog if you plan to recreate on a secluded route and only visit parks during regular operating hours (sunrise to sunset). Make sure you have proper footwear and apparel, water, and any other supplies you may need. If recreating alone, tell someone where you are going and when you should be home.
Lost and Found Children

FAQ's

How do I rent a pavilion or field?
To make a rental inquiry, call Recreation & Parks headquarters at 410-313-4700. You can also click here to reserve a pavilion online. 

How do I register for a camp, program, or event?
You can register online by clicking here (an online account is required and may take up to 48 hours to approve). You may also register by phone by calling 410-313-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm) or via mail to:
Howard County Recreation & Parks
7120 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21046

What is HCRP’s policy on drone use in parks?
We ask that you to respect the privacy of others by keeping your drone away from crowds of people, sporting events, or activities with children. Please keep in mind that it is against parkland regulations to interfere with or harass wildlife and other patrons. 

Why can’t I feed wildlife? 
Feeding wildlife is problematic for many reasons. Animals that become accustomed to handouts from humans can develop unsafe or aggressive behaviors towards people or other animals. Animals that are regularly fed by people may harass park visitors or be struck by vehicles. “People food” given to wildlife has little to no nutritional value to the animals and may result in serious diseases from malnutrition. Lastly, animals that rely on handouts may lose the ability to forage and starve to death during times of year when people and natural food sources are scarcer in parks.

What should you do in the case of a thunderstorm?
Please evacuate the area and head to the closest building or enclosed vehicle. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”. Do not resume outdoor activities until 30 minutes after until you’ve heard the last roar of thunder. 

Where is the best location for fishing in Howard County Parks?
Centennial Park is home to Centennial Lake, which contains many local freshwater fish species such as brown trout, blue gill, large mouth bass, and others. Other fishing opportunities include Savage Park and the Savage Mill Trail, which are located along the Little Patuxent River.

Do dogs have to be on a leash and are there any dog parks in Howard County Recreation and Parks facilities? 
The only off-leash dog area is the Worthington Dog Park. In all other parks and facilities, you must keep your dog on a leash and follow the Title 19 rules and regulations while visiting our Parks.

Information Resources

Howard County Police Department
File an online report, check out community programs and opportunities, and get the latest news and updates for crimes and emergencies in Howard County: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/HOLDPoliceHome

Howard County Fire and Rescue
Learn about fire safety tips, ways to connect, and events in your community: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Fire-and-Rescue

Howard County Department of Natural Resources
See rules and regulations, fish stocking and hunting schedules, recent news, state park maps, and upcoming events: http://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Contact Maryland DNR Natural Resources Police for emergency of assistance, 24 hours a day: 1-800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888.

Howard County Recreation & Parks
Learn about events, registration, news and programs: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks

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What is Park Watch?
An initiative to improve park and visitor safety, increase public ownership of parks, and deter and reduce crime through the combined efforts of trained, passive volunteers, Howard County Park Rangers, and the Howard County Police Department. Park Watch asks patrons to be the “eyes and ears” of their communities in order to fight crime and keep their public spaces safe.

How Does it Work?
Residents know their local parks the best and are able to identify suspicious activities or unsafe situations. A concerned community can reduce crime simply by reporting activity to the police and park rangers. Park Watch is an initiative that teaches citizens personal safety techniques and works to reduce crime, making our parks safer for everyone.

Howard County Rangers offer park safety training to the community, covering common concerns within the parks system, local issues in crime, parkland regulation, and how to keep yourself safe while enjoying parks (including tips for children and seniors, what to look for, and how to safely report concerns). Trainings will be offered throughout the year at the North Laurel, Roger Carter, and Gary J. Arthur Community Centers, and at the Robinson Nature Center. Communities can also request this training. 

Interested in Joining Park Watch?
Consider contributing to the safety of your community by becoming a Park Watch volunteer! Interested individuals can sign up through the HoCo volunteer webpage (https://hocovolunteer.org/custom/501/index.php).  
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. Park Watch volunteers are involved citizens who patrol our parks on the lookout for vandalism, park damage or potentially suspicious activity.
Contact us to schedule an educational training for yourself or for your community group.  
Natural Resources Division: 410-313-1679
Email: [email protected]

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The Natural Resources Division of the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks performs all inspections and enforcement of post-development forest conservation easements in Howard County. With the passing of the Howard County Forest Conservation Act in 1993, development regulations now require consideration of forest resources and the creation of forest conservation easements during most development projects. Inspections staff within the Natural Resources Division verify forest conservation easements are in compliance with project-specific requirements during the development phase and enforce restrictions on certain types of activities and land use within easements after development is complete.  For further information, please refer to the links below or email Scott Bowen or call 410-313-3723 to discuss any questions or to report a possible violation of the Howard County Forest Conservation Act.  

Please contact Brenda Luber for information regarding the submittal and review process for forest conservation and landscaping plans or to schedule an inspection of a forest conservation or landscaping project.

The Creation and Granting of Easements
Developers enter into a Forest Conservation Agreement (Agreement) with the County stating they will abide by the regulations established under the Howard County FCA and provide the necessary amount of forest conservation for a specific development project. By the time a final plan for a development project has been approved by the County the developer has provided a Plat of Forest Conservation Easement (Plat), a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP), and a Deed of Forest Conservation Easement (Deed). Plats are basically maps detailing the location and boundaries of easements within Howard County. FCP’s specify whether forest retention or planting is to be provided within specific easements, what species and sizes of trees are to be planted, and what protections are to be provided to the easements before, during, and after development. Deeds describe areas dedicated to forest conservation, in addition to Plats, and grant to the County forest conservation easements to be protected and maintained in perpetuity.

The Need for Inspections
Following a period of developer self-certification during the 1990’s the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) determined it was necessary to inspect forest conservation projects to guarantee compliance. In 2001 DPZ granted the Department of Recreation and Parks (DRP) the responsibility of inspecting easements and enforcing FCA regulations. In 2008 DPZ granted DRP the responsibility of inspecting landscaping projects as well. Now Agreements permit DRP staff to access easement areas to complete forest conservation inspections and to investigate possible violations of the Howard County FCA. DRP staff members are directed by County planners within DPZ when to inspect specific forest conservation projects. The costs of inspections are funded through fees paid by developers to the County. Investigations of possible FCA violations are initiated by reports from concerned citizens, through the use of aerial photography or Geographical Information System (GIS) maps, and as a result of County personnel discovering a possible violation during the completion of their day-to-day activities.

Recommendations for Project Success

1. Request an extension from DPZ if a project is incomplete.

2. Verify the installation and replacement of forest conservation signs prior to scheduled inspections.

3. Educate the local community of forest conservation objectives and regulations. It is best to respond to small problems before they become big problems.

4. Routinely monitor easements to assess tree survival and identify site-specific stressors. Planting the right trees for a site will cost less than repeatedly replacing the wrong trees. A developer may need to revise an FCP to deal with a problem.

5. Numerous invasive species thrive in Howard County and are capable of overtaking existing and planted trees. Once again, routine monitoring and management can prevent a small problem from becoming a big problem.

Natural Resource Compliance, Public Outreach and Open Space Acceptance
The Natural Resource office conducts tasks related to natural resource compliance, public outreach and open space acceptance. They respond and follow up on all complaints and inquiries related to natural resource issues on County owned Open Space. Issues include: evaluating hazardous trees; enforcing regulations such as encroachments, i.e., fences, sheds and other structures; and investigating the illegal clearing of parkland. The staff also attends public meetings and informative sessions to relay the Department’s mission in managing Open Space and other Natural Resources lands. This includes disseminating and explaining Parkland Rules and Regulations. For more information on these topics or to report a natural resource violation email Charlie Peregoy or call 410-313-1678.

What is Open Space? 
Open space refers to land that have been set aside through the development process as conservation areas and are deeded over to the County by the developer of a subdivision. You will find open space areas in nearly every community in the County built after the 1970's. The land usually contains environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, woodlands, meadows, riparian areas, etc. The conservation of such areas is important because they lessen the impact of development, provide critical wildlife habitat and are often part of natural greenways that are crucial in today’s fragmented environment. The Department currently manages over 3,300 acres of such land.

Why Can't I Alter or Use the Open Space Behind My Home?
These open space areas are public lands and not intended for the personal use of adjoining property owners nor to serve as lawns, storage areas, gardens or playgrounds. Their purpose is for environmental protection and conservation. 

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Regulation Enforcement 
The enforcement of regulations consists of issuing warning notices and civil citations to gain compliance. However, the Department’s approach is to try and gain voluntary compliance through education and restoration versus issuance of citations and fines. The final component of this unit is to conduct inspections and provide expertise and site analysis for lands being considered for ownership by the County. This includes Open Space dedication as well as properties being purchased in fee simple. These inspections insure that the lands coming to County ownership are in a safe, clean condition.

The purpose of the Bark Ranger Program is to encourage dog owner patrons to clean up after their pets and to use a leash while visiting a Howard County park. Dog feces that is not picked up is unsightly but also has negative impacts on our ground and surface water and attracts rodents. It is important to keep your dog on a leash. Not only is it the law but it is being considerate to the other park patrons.

We encourage you and your pooch to take the pledge to be committed to protecting our environment.
My Human and I care about our environment and the safety of others around us. We pledge to do our "doodie" and clean up after ourselves. I will remain on my leash by my Human's side at all times.

For questions regarding the Bark Ranger program call 410-245-1410 for dates and events.

In 1992, Howard County adopted the Forest Conservation Act. This was the first regulation that protects and conserves forest resources within the county. The regulation requires developers to retain and leave undisturbed, or plant new forestlands if they will be impacted by development. Through the land development process, if a developer is unable to retain existing or plant new forest within the development, they can pay into the Forest Conservation fee-in-lieu account to meet the forest protection requirement. To comply with these regulations, the Forest Mitigation program was created. 

In addition to the creation of the Forest Mitigation program, the Department of Recreation and Parks has implemented several planting programs to reforest properties that are not in Open Space, including schools, HOA’s and private property. The Department of Recreation and Parks actively seeks grants and partners with other County agencies to support these programs.

The Forest Mitigation Program was implemented in 1996 through a cooperative agreement between the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Recreation and Parks. The program utilizes the fee-in-lieu monies collected from developers to conduct mitigation on Open Space and Parkland throughout the County. Site selection is determined by prioritizing sites using the following criteria: wetlands and stream buffers, flood plains, steep slopes, forest fragmentation, existing uses, visual buffers and existing regulations. 

To view the Forest Conservation Easements layer and for information on individual easements, please visit the County’s Interactive Map.

The Tree Canopy program was created to improve environmental equity through focused tree planting in communities with lower tree canopy coverage. Trees improve our living space by:

• Reducing stormwater runoff and flooding
• Reducing excessive heat caused by black top and concrete surfaces
• Reducing air pollutants related to asthma and other concerns
• Reducing home cooling costs in summer
• Improving property value

The program provides 1-10 trees and planting services to Howard County property owners prioritized by several factors:

• Existing tree canopy coverage
• Local impervious surface coverage
• Properties with environmentally sensitive features such as streams or steep slopes
• Population density
• Available tree planting space

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining 1 to 10 trees on their property. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation.

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to planting full size canopy trees.

Trees Available

Tree species will be selected, with your input, based on your goals for your planting as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and at least 1” caliper, but substitutions may need to be made based on availability.

• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• American Elm, Ulmus Americana
• Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Tulip Poplar, Lirodendron tulipifera
• Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
• Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• And more…

How to Apply

Contact DJ Scheckelhoff prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. We are currently on a waitlist. We will take your information and contact you prior to the planting season we can accommodate your planting. Planting season is early spring and late fall, weather dependent.

Info: DJ Scheckelhoff, 410-313-1688 or [email protected].

The Turf to Trees program was created to help alleviate the damaging effects of stormwater runoff by increasing tree coverage throughout the County. Trees help to abate stormwater runoff by:

• Reducing water through absorption
• Slowing precipitation through canopy coverage
• Binding soil to prevent erosion
• Reducing water through evaporation and transpiration

The program provides trees and planting services to Howard County property owners with lots of 1.5 to 10 acres in size, free of cost.

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining a minimum of 50 trees. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation.

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to creating a contiguous planting, in which the trees are grouped together. However, non-contiguous plantings will be considered to address specific environmental concerns. Perimeter planting (one row of trees around a property) will not be accepted.

Priority will be given to properties with the following

• Properties with 40% or less tree canopy coverage (the layer of leaves, branches and stems of trees that shelter the ground when viewed from above – Howard County staff can assess this remotely).
• Properties with environmentally sensitive features such as streams or steep slopes. 
• Properties in or near the Green Infrastucture Network (County staff can determine if your property is within this area).

Planting requirements

• A minimum order of 50 trees to be planted on a contiguous 1/4 acre; larger plantings are welcome.
• A minimum density requirement of 50 trees per 1/4 acre, about a 15 square foot spacing  
• Five to ten species must be ordered to support biodiversity
• Plantings must be at least 30 feet in width, or two rows of trees deep

Benefits of Tree Canopy
Trees improve water quality by reducing stormwater runoff, intercepting and storing rain water, increasing infiltration through root systems, reducing soil erosion and filtering pollutants. Trees help us by absorbing chemical pollutants, intercepting particulate matter, creating oxygen and cooling air temperature by turning water in vapor. Trees reduce atmospheric carbon by sequestering CO2 in their roots, trunks, stems and leaves. Trees raise property values by increasing curb appeal, creating privacy, reducing noise pollution and reducing heating and cooling costs by shading buildings and blocking winds.

Trees Available
A species list will be created, with your input, based on your goals for your new forest as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and at least 1” caliper, but substitutions may need to be made based on availability.  

• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• American Elm, Ulmus Americana
• Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis
• Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana
• Smooth Alder, Alnus serrulata
• Easter Redbud, Cercis Canadensis
• Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus
• Tulip Poplar, Lirodendron tulipifera
• Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia
• Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida
• Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
• Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
• Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• Loblolly, Pinus taeda
• And more…

How to Apply
Contact DJ Scheckelhoff prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. We are currently on a waitlist. We will take your information and contact you prior to the planting season we can accommodate your planting. Planting season is early spring and late fall, weather dependent. 

To apply for the program, please fill out and submit the Application and Homeowner agreement below via email (preferred), fax or mail. The Tree Request Form and Right of Entry will be needed once a planting plan is in place. 

Info: DJ Scheckelhoff, 410-313-1688 or [email protected].

The mission of the Stream Releaf program is to create and enhance riparian forest buffers (protective strips of trees, shrubs and other vegetation's along a stream) to improve water quality and wildlife habitat throughout Howard County. 

The County will assess each property to determine eligibility, planting area and the maximum number of plants which may be ordered. A minimum of 12 tree and/or shrubs must be ordered to participate in the program. The homeowner will choose plants appropriate for their yard from a list of native trees and shrubs provided by the County. All trees and shrubs obtained through the program must be planted on the applicant’s property within 75 feet of a stream.  

The homeowner must commit to planting and caring for the trees and shrubs provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter installation and maintenance, protecting trees and shrubs from deer and other pests. Trees and shrubs will be delivered by the County to the homeowner’s property in the spring and fall. 

Benefits of Stream Buffers
Stream Buffers help prevent stream bank erosion. The vegetative cover dissipates the energy and friction of moving water and the roots help hold the soil in place. Such vegetation also plays an important role in reducing water temperature – an important aspect of aquatic habitat. The vegetation traps much of the sediment, nutrients and other pollutants, preventing them from entering our waterways.

In addition to stabilizing the soil, plants utilize most of the trapped nutrients. In fact, an effective buffer will use up to 80% of the phosphorous and nearly 90% of the nitrogen, two of the biggest pollutants of the Chesapeake Bay.

Plant List
A species list will be created, with your input, based on your goals for your stream buffer as well as what will thrive in the conditions of your property. All species chosen must be native to Maryland. Below are examples of native trees and shrubs that we plant. We strive to obtain trees which are over 5 feet in height and 1” caliper (shrubs will be much smaller), but substitutions may need to be made based on availability. 

Trees

• Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
• Pin Oak, Quercus palustris
• Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
• American Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
• Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica
• Red Maple, Acer rubrum
• Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum
• Black Willow, Salix nigra
• River Birch, Betula nigra
• Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis
• Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua
• American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana
• Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana
• Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana

Shrubs

• Smooth Alder, Alnus serrulata
• Canadian Serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis
• Spicebush, Lindera benzoin
• Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum
• Blackhaw Viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium
• Arrowwood Viburnum, Viburnum dentatum
• Red Chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia
• Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa
• Winterberry, Ilex verticilata
• Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis
• Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis

How to Apply
Contact Kyle Crouse prior to submitting your application to confirm that your property qualifies. To apply for the program, please fill out and submit the Application and Homeowner agreement below via email (preferred), fax or mail. The Right of Entry form will be needed once a planting plan is in place. 

Info: Kyle Crouse, 410-313-1636 or [email protected]

Tree Giveaway 

In September 2023, Howard County distributed 3,000 trees to residents.

Registration for the 2023 Annual Tree Giveaway is now closed. All trees have been reserved. If you would like to be sent information prior to next year’s tree giveaway, please sign up here for a notification.

Tree Pick-up Locations 

Tree pick-up locations will be at West Friendship Park in West Friendship and Rockburn Park WEST in Elkridge. You will be able to choose which park you would like to pick up your tree.  

• West Friendship Park- 12985 Frederick Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794 

• Rockburn Park West- 6105 Rockburn Park Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 

Tree Pick-Up Dates 

You will also be able to choose which of the following dates and times to pick up your tree.   

• Wednesday, September 20th 4-7PM 

• Thursday, September 21st 12-4PM 

• Saturday, September 23rd 10AM-2PM 

YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR TREE AT THE LOCATION AND ON THE DATE YOU SELECT. 
Each site will only have inventory for that site and date. If you cannot pick up your tree on either of these dates, please do not reserve a tree. You may have another person pick up your tree for you. Have them bring a printout of your reservation.  

How to Plant a Tree 

Please view our instructional video to learn how to properly plant your tree. For more information on where to plant your tree and safe tree placement, please refer to the information provided in the “Tree Planting and Maintenance Guidelines” section below. Always remember to call Miss Utility before you dig. 

Helpful Information 

• When you reserve your tree, your reservation information will appear. Please take a screen shot of your reservation. You should also receive a confirmation email with this information.  

• At pickup, you will need to bring your printout or picture on your phone of the tree reservation.  

• If you wish to avoid traffic and wait times do not arrive within the first 45 minutes of opening. That is when the most people show up.   

• If you arrive at the incorrect location, you will be given directions to the other location.   

• If you miss your Wednesday or Thursday pickup, you may pick up your tree on Saturday, but you may not pick up a Saturday tree on Wednesday or Thursday (our delivery for each pickup day is specific to that day). 

• It is recommended to bring a bag, tarp or blanket to lay your tree on to keep your car clean.   

• All trees will be rooted in 5-gallon containers and will vary is height from 3’ to 10’. Please plan accordingly.   

• Please be prepared to load your tree into your car without assistance.  

• If you are unable to pick up your tree, someone may pick it up for you. (Make sure to provide them with a copy of your "receipt." 

To learn more details about these tree species, visit https://plants.usda.gov. Trees improve the environment in terms of climate, storm water, energy savings and economic value to homeowners. Learn more about tree benefits at ArborDay.org. 

About the Trees 

The trees will be in 5-gallon containers and approximately 3 to 10 feet tall, although Pawpaw will be at smaller at 18”-36.” All species are native to Maryland, acclimated to our climate and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Please utilize the information below to pick a tree best suited to the conditions of your yard. 

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)– grows to a height of 30-75′ with a width of 20-50′. Lesser known but lovely, prefers partial shade to full sun and can tolerate dry, moist, or seasonally wet soils. Has a greenish flower in the spring, with a black fleshy fruit and stunning red fall foliage. The Black gum is a versatile species with high wildlife value. 

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)- grows to a height of 40-100′ with a spread of 30-75′. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils. Often found in swampy areas and may need extra watering if planted in a dry area. Has a small red flower early in spring and vibrant red to yellow fall foliage. The Red Maple is the earliest spring bloomer.  

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)– grows to a height of 20-50′ with a spread of 20-50′. Prefers partial shade but is often seen growing in full sunlight as well. Prefers dry to moist soils. Grows well in open forests and along forest edges. White spring flowers with a red to orange berry and scarlet foliage in the fall. The Flowering Dogwood has high wildlife value, with fall migrant birds relying on its berries.  

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)- grows to a height of 20-35’ with a spread of 20-35’. Prefers partial sunlight to full shade but is often seen growing in full sun as well. Prefers well drained to moist soils. Tolerates a variety of locations but grows well as an understory species and along streambanks. Pink to purple spring flowers with a seedpod in the fall and golden yellow foliage. The Eastern Redbud is a nitrogen fixing species.  

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)- grows to a height of 50-75’ with a spread of 35-50’. Prefers full to partial sunlight and dry to moist soils. Will grow in a variety of conditions including woodland and open fields, as long as there is no standing water and some sunlight. Persimmon will produce edible fruits when given enough sunlight and have a high wildlife value. In the spring they have a yellowish flower and provide berries in the fall.   

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)- grows to a height of 60-100’ with a spread of 50-75’. Prefers full or partial sunlight and moist to wet soils. Often found along streams and in bottomlands but can thrive in a variety of environments. Swamp White Oak produce acorns and have a high wildlife value.    

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)- grows to a height of 12-30’ with a spread of 12-30’. Can tolerate a variety of light levels from full sun to shade and prefers moist to wet soils. Often found in forested wetlands or on streambanks and pond edges. The Sweetbay Magnolia is semi-evergreen and may lose its leaves during a cold winter. In the spring it will produce large cream-colored flowers and a red berry in the fall. The Sweetbay Magnolia being given away are multi-stem/clump.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)- grows to a height of 20-35’ with a spread of 20-35’. Prefers full sun but does well as an understory species in partial shade. Prefers moist soils and can often be found growing in bottomlands and river valleys. Pawpaw produce large fruits which are edible.  The Pawpaw being given away are smaller than other species choices at only 18-36”.

Alleghany Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)- grows to a height of 15-25’ with a spread of 15-20’. They do well in full sun and partial shade. It can handle moist and dry soils and is often found growing in rich woods, swamp margins, and clearings. It has small white flowers in the spring, red berries in the fall, and a fall foliage color of orange or red.  

River Birch (Betula nigra)- grows to a height of 50-75’ with a spread of 35-50’. Prefers full to partial sunlight and moist to wet soils. Grows well on forest edge, sunny spots along a waterway or bottom lands where water may collect. Has an attractive peeling bark and high wildlife value. The River Birch we will be giving away are single stem.

All tree facts listed above are from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”   

Stu­dents Branch­ing Out engages Howard County stu­dents in local tree plant­ing efforts. Students have helped to promote the County’s tree planting program like Stream ReLeaf and Turf to Trees and participated in tree plantings on school grounds and in County parks. 

For more information on the Student Branching Out projects, please visit Live Green Howard.

Each year the Natural Resources Division hosts two volunteer tree plantings. In the spring, on or near Earth Day (April 22nd) and in the Fall on National Family Volunteer Day (2nd Saturday in November).

For more information on volunteer events, please vist HoCo Volunteers.

Tree Placement Guidelines

• Always call Miss Utility prior to planting your tree.
• Trees should be planted according to their size at maturity, not their size at the time of planting.
• For successful growth, trees must be planted in an area with adequate sunlight and moisture needs for that species.
• Place trees no closer than 12 feet apart.
• Trees should not be closer than 10-15 feet from your house or driveway.
• Trees cannot be planted within 10 feet of a sewer or water line. (Look for public manhole covers or in your yard/driveway there will be a smaller cover that shows the path of your private hookup. Generally, this leads in a straight line. from the sewer, to your individual hookup and then to your house.)
• Trees may not be planted in utility rights-of-way such as, but not limited to, water, sewer, natural gas, or oil pipelines. (Miss Utility will be called to check for these.)
• Trees over 25 feet tall may not be planted within 25 feet of an overhead utility line, trees over 40 feet tall cannot be planted within 40 feet of an overhead utility line.
• Please be careful that trees are not placed in an area with a private underground utility, such as an invisible dog fence, as Miss Utility cannot identify such private utilities. (Howard County is not responsible if a private utility is hit.)

If the planting location conflicts with an underground utility as marked by Miss Utility, please move your marker to the closest safe location, at least 18 inches from the marked line. If our contractors do not deem an area safe due to proximity to a marked underground utility or otherwise they will plant as close as possible to the existing marker.

Tree Planting Guidelines

1. Locate a site for your tree or shrub that allows for an appropriate amount of sunlight and moisture for that species.

2. Dig a hole two times larger than the root system being planted. Plant the tree or shrub at the same level as it grew in the nursery.

3. Neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots and branches with sharp pruning tools. Loosen the root system gently.

4. In the hole, make a mound of soil and spread the plant’s roots out and down over it.

5. Place soil from the hole around the roots. Water the plant when the hole is half full. Add soil and topsoil if needed to fill the hole and completely cover the roots. Pat the soil gently, it is important not to eliminate vital air spaces by stamping it down. Water the plant again.

6. Spread mulch over the planting area to a depth of two to three inches, but do not place mulch against the trunk of the tree or shrub.

7. Do not stake unless the tree has a large, top-heavy crown or if the planting is on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. If these conditions apply, stake the tree for a maximum of one year unless using a tree shelter (please see Sheltering Guidelines).

8. Water the plant as needed, being vigilant in times of drought.

9. At the one-year anniversary of planting, fertilizer may be applied to the tree.

Tree Sheltering Guidelines

Tree shelters help to protect your tree from deer rubbing their antlers on the stem of the tree and stripping its bark. Please follow these guidelines to install your tree shelter. These shelters cannot be used for shrubs or coniferous trees, only single stem decisions trees.

Installation:

1. Using a mallet or hammer insert stake into the ground about four inches from the base of the tree. Make sure that the stake is deep enough that it cannot be easily uprooted.

2. Wrap the plastic mesh tree guard around the tree trunk so that the opening is facing the stake.

3. Using two or three zip ties, secure the tree guard to the stake, making sure to bind the opening of the tree guard at the same time.

Maintenance:

• Shelters should remain on your tree for at least four years, unless the shelter begins to inhibit the growth of the tree.
• Shelters may periodically need maintenance or re-installation. If a branch grows through the side of the shelter, simply cut a larger hole for the branch to grow.

Trees and shrubs not provided with a shelter can be protected by treating them with repellent or fencing with wooden or metal stakes and a flexible material such as chicken wire.

Watering Instructions

Watering your newly planted material is crucial for its health and survival, particularly during the summer months.

• The best time to water is early morning (6-9am) or early evening (4-7pm).
• Water once a week when temperatures remain below 65F and at least twice a week when temperatures exceed 70F.
• Do not use a sprinkler on plants in the middle of the day. Water on leaves on a sunny day will burn tender foliage.
• The best method of watering trees is to use a hose on a slow trickle around the root ball of the tree. Allow time for the water to be absorbed into the soil and avoid runoff.
• During winter months watering is not required. Once the ground thaws in the spring watering can resume as needed.
• Trees should receive 10 gallons of water weekly for every caliper inch. For example, a 2.5” tree should receive 25 gallons of water weekly. That can be spread out into two waterings.

Remember, even though it may have rained, the root system of your plant material may not be wet. Soil on the surface around the plant material may be damp while the root system may be bone dry. When in doubt, dig down to the root system. If dry or too wet, adjust watering accordingly. Soil should be moist to the touch but not wet enough to be molded into a ball.