Trees provide many benefits, and early spring is a great time for planting them. Want to plan for cooler summers, better stormwater management, and a prettier neighborhood? Then make your tree plans now.

College Park residents have several options available: The City plants street trees in the right-of-way between curbs and sidewalks. If you would like one or more trees in this curb strip area in front of your property, go to collegeparkmd.gov/TreeRequest to request a tree from Public Works. Select City plant a tree on public right-of-way at the drop-down. The City Arborist will inspect the location and determine if there is sufficient space to plant a tree between the sidewalk and utility lines. Trees are ordered and planted in the spring and fall.

If you want more trees on your property closer to your home where they can provide shade and cooling, you can choose to plant your own trees. The City’s Tree Canopy Enhancement Program reimburses residents for up to $150 annually for approved trees planted on their residential property. Residents must apply and be approved before purchasing the trees. Visit collegeparkmd.gov/Trees and find the TCEP application button to apply. Remember to choose a planting location away from power lines and underground utilities. Submit a request at missutility.net/homeowner to determine where your underground utility lines are located if you don’t know. Before you plant, check out the October 2022 article with planting advice.

If you cannot plant your own trees, the City may be able to help! A new collaboration with the city and Casey Trees Foundation allows College Park residents to obtain trees for their residential property at no cost. Residents must agree to accept native tree species and water and maintain the tree after planting. Most of the trees available are large canopy tree species. To apply for this program, submit your request at collegeparkmd.gov/TreeRequest and select Tree Planting on Residential Property on the drop-down. The City Arborist will then contact you to have a pre-planting meeting to locate the planting site and to determine the species to plant. Trees are planted in the spring and fall. The applications are due three months before planting. For example, the applications for the spring planting are due December 1st. Applications for the fall planting are due around August 1st. This allows the contractor sufficient time to plan for digging trees, transportation, and planting.

In all cases, remember to care for the new trees on your property. Check out the June 2023 article for good advice about tree care.

Trees provide numerous benefits, including reduced summer cooling costs, better stormwater management, increased property values, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production. College Park has a strategic goal to increase our tree canopy, and you can do your part while improving your quality of life by planting trees this spring. Questions? Contact the City Arborist at arborist@collegeparkmd.gov or 240-487-3602.