Trees for Bees
Reserve Trees:
Visit the Howard County Bee City Website for more information and to reserve trees, beginning on March 23rd at 9am.
About the Giveaway
Launched in April 2022, Trees for Bees is part of Howard County Bee City, led by the Office of Community Sustainability. This program provides native trees and shrubs that support pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystems. Trees for Bees offers trees to non-profits for common areas and hosts a residential giveaway to encourage planting at home.
Our giveaway highlights the vital role native trees and shrubs play in supporting pollinators, especially in spring. The species offered provide pollen, nectar, food, and shelter for native bees, butterflies, and other wildlife—while also adding natural beauty to your landscape.
Howard County Bee City’s Trees for Bees giveaway highlights the vital role native trees and shrubs play in supporting pollinators, especially in spring. The species offered provide pollen, nectar, food, and shelter for native bees, butterflies, and other wildlife—while also adding natural beauty to your landscape. These native plants are adapted to the Chesapeake Bay region and also help combat climate change by sequestering carbon, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve local water quality.
Planting Resources:
Tree Planting Instructions Video
To learn more details about these tree species, visit USDA Plants Database. Trees improve the environment in terms of climate, stormwater, energy savings and economic value to homeowners. Learn more about tree benefits at ArborDay.org.
Another great option that encourages residents to plant trees is the Marylanders Plant Trees coupon program. Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers a $25 coupon off of native trees that cost $50 or more at participating nurseries. Find the coupon here and use the tabs on the left of the page to find Participating Nurseries and Recommended Trees.
For more information about how you can help pollinators click HERE
Trees for Bees through the years
2023: 1,365 trees. The species were Nyssa sylvatica, Cercis canadensis, Prunus serotina, Salix discolor, Aronia arbutifolia, Clethra alnifolia, Cephalanthus occidentalis, and Callicarpa americana.
2024: 1,650 trees. The species were Celtis occidentalis, Juniperus virginiana, Prunus serotina, Aronia melanocarpa, Cephalanthus occidentalis, and Viburnum nudum.