January 2023

Applications to receive free trees in Fall 2023 open soon

Applications for free shade trees for the fall 2023 planting season open on Wednesday, February 1, at midnight. Applications are considered on a modified first come, first served basis, with preference given to properties in the county’s Equity Focus Areas. Read more about our application process, and learn about the county’s Equity Focus Areas.

Check to see if your property is eligible, and apply here. Slots typically fill up quickly, so be sure to apply as early as possible on February 1. If you applied for a previous planting season and we were unable to accept your application, you will need to reapply for your application to be considered for Fall 2023. Applications received before midnight on February 1 will not be considered.

After you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know if your application is accepted by the end of February. If your application is accepted, we will reach out to schedule an initial site visit to your property to observe site conditions and make recommendations.

Questions about this or any of our other Reforest Montgomery programs? You can reach our team at reforest@montgomeryplanning.org.

Big news! Two Reforest Montgomery programs are expanding

To help account for rising prices, the Reforest Montgomery Native Tree coupon will now get you $50 off a qualifying tree at the 7 participating nurseries around the county. This coupon can be combined with the $25 Marylanders Plant Trees coupon to receive up to $75 off a dually qualifying tree that costs at least $75. Learn more about each program on our website.

We have also expanded the list of trees being offered in response to resident and nursery feedback. The new species include green hawthorn, sweetbay magnolia, Eastern serviceberry, sourwood, sweetgum, and others. Check our website for a complete list of eligible trees and to learn more about each species.



We recommend calling ahead to the nurseries to confirm availability if you have a specific species in mind.

Interested in hosting more than a hundred trees … for free? The Reforest Montgomery Easement Reforestation program is now open to property owners with at least 1 acre of land adjacent to a stream or an existing forest that are willing to establish a Category I easement on their land. This program is still open to property owners with an existing Category I easement with at least 0.25 acres available for reforestation. Learn more about M-NCPPC forest conservation easements and apply for reforestation.

Winter Tree Care

Winter is an important time to care for young trees. Here’s a list of tips from the International Society of Arboriculture:

• Add a thin layer of hardwood mulch in a ring or donut shape around the base of the tree to insulate the roots.
• Continue to water trees if the temperature is over 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground is not frozen.
• Clear snow from branches to make sure they aren’t weighed down or broken.
• Keep salt away from the ground under the tree’s canopy. Salt can damage roots and prevent them from absorbing water.
• Winter is the ideal time to prune trees to encourage new growth next spring.

Considering pruning a tree? Watch our helpful video with reasons for pruning and tips on how to prune. If you have any questions or would like to prune a large or difficult to reach branch, contact a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert.

Questions, comments?

Contact the Reforest Montgomery team:

301-495-4597

reforest@montgomeryplanning.org

Follow us: @montgomeryplans 

Like us: Facebook.com/montgomeryplanning

Meet us: Visit the Planning Department in Silver Spring or invite us to your meeting.

Learn more: www.montgomeryplanning.org  

About Reforest Montgomery

Reforest Montgomery, supported by the Forest Conservation Fund, plants trees and forests throughout Montgomery County. This program offers residents a variety of options to get involved with reforestation programs in Montgomery County and provides property owners incentives to plant trees within the county such as free trees and reforestation for property owners, discounts on native trees, and more.