2K Native Saplings Available During HoCo Annual Tree Giveaway

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Homeowners can reserve two of 2,000 native trees being offered by Howard County starting Monday at 9 a.m. As part of the county's Annual Tree Giveaway, the trees will be approximately 5 to 8 feet tall. Residents can choose from among redbud, flowering dogwood, black gum and red maple.

"Since 2019, we've helped plant more than 50,000 trees in Howard County - one of the most effective tools to support our environment," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "We will continue to work hand in hand with Howard County residents to plant more trees in the county than ever before to improve our community’s health, sustainability and beauty."

Residents may choose up to two trees and will be responsible for picking up, planting and caring for their trees.

Pickup dates are Sept. 23 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both days will have two locations running simultaneously. One at West Friendship Park, 12985 Frederick Road in West Friendship, and the other at Rockburn Branch Park at 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road in Elkridge.

The county office of sustainability provided the following suggestions on how to plant new trees:
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 wider than the root ball being planted. Plant the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with or up to one inch above the level of the surrounding soil.
3. Remove the tree from the container. Loosen the root system gently so that the roots point outward away from the center.
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. Compress the soil and water the plant when the hole is half full. Keep adding soil if needed to fill the hole and completely cover the roots. Do not cover the root collar, where the base of the tree trunk flares out. Compress the soil again and water.
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.
7. Staking the tree should not be needed. You should place a tree bark protector around the trunk of a tree to prevent deer from rubbing their antlers on it.
8. Water the plant during the growing season as needed if there isn't rain. A long drink of water once a week is better than light watering more frequently.