3000 Trees Distributed To Howard County Residents Through Annual Tree Giveaway

A record 3,000 trees were distributed to Howard County residents through the annual tree giveaway.

Sign ups opened Wednesday, September 7^th and residents were given the opportunity to register at two different times. Half the trees were made available at 2pm and the other half at 7pm to make the trees more accessible to individuals working different hours.

Each household was allowed to choose one tree from nine native species including: Gum, Red Maple, Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Hornbeam, River Birch, Common Persimmon, White Oak, and Sweetbay Magnolia.

“Since 2018, we have planted over 60,000 trees in our community,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This year, through our efforts to give away 3,000 trees, we are bringing our grand giveaway total since the program launched in 2019 to 9,225 trees, allowing more residents to play a part in increasing our county’s tree canopy.”

Residents picked up their reserved trees on one of three days in late September at West Friendship Park or Rockburn Branch Park. The trees came in five-gallon containers and were between three and 10 feet tall, depending on the species.

“The department remains committed to providing our residents with a greener and more sustainable Howard County,” said Recreation & Parks Director A. Raul Delerme. “We hope these trees provide needed shade, protection for wildlife, and memories in your yards for generations to come.”

In addition to the regular giveaway, Howard County partnered with non-profits this year to bring 430 trees to new groups of participants. Participating community groups included: the Community Ecology Institute, NAACP, Hopeworks, Long Reach CARES, Wilde Lake CARES, Oakland Mills Interfaith, VolunTeens, Savage Community Association and the Youth Climate Institute.