Ridgeleigh Community Tree Program

In 2016 the Ridgeleigh Community Program continues it's programs to increase the tree canopy in Ridgeleigh. Trees create healthier and more attractive neighborhoods. Trees increase property values, cool our homes, reduce street noise, enhance walkability, clean the air, and filter and absorb rain water runoff. These benefits contribute to the overall health of our community, local streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

What is this project and who is involved?

This project is a partnership between the Ridgeleigh Community Association and Bluewater Baltimore (BWB), an environmental non-profit organization. The purpose is to replenish the large shade trees which have been lost in the neighborhood over recent decades. The trees are free by way of grants from both the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore County Environmental Protection and Sustainability given to Blue Water Baltimore. Each landscape quality tree is approximately 1 inch in trunk diameter and 6-8 feet in height.

Street Trees:

Street trees typically grow in the area between your sidewalk and the street curb within the County’s right of way (or on your front lawn next to the sidewalk within the County easement). The trees are free by way of grants from both the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore County Environmental Protection and Sustainability given to Blue Water Baltimore. BWB selects the best tree for your location. Tree planting can be performed by the homeowner and/or volunteers with the help of BWB. BWB will install root barrier after the installation of your tree to protect the sidewalk.

The trees will be obtained at a very low cost to homeowners by way of grant money BWB has received from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore Gas and Electric. The trees are free by way of grants from both the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore County Environmental Protection and Sustainability given to Blue Water Baltimore. Each landscape quality tree is approximately 1 inch in trunk diameter and 6-8 feet in height.

Yard Trees:

The homeowner can select from among these choices: northern red oak, willow oak, swamp white oak, American elm, hackberry, black gum, white pine, and river birch. There is no limit to the number of trees you can request. If you wish to plant a tree close or under a powerline an appropriate understory tree can be selected.

BWB will work with you to find an appropriate site, procure and deliver the trees, and to plant the trees. Bluewater also supplies all materials for your tree: stakes and webbing, mulch, and a green watering bag.

The trees will be obtained at a very low cost to homeowners by way of grant money BWB has received from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore Gas and Electric. The trees are free by way of grants from both the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Baltimore County Environmental Protection and Sustainability given to Blue Water Baltimore. Each landscape quality tree is approximately 1 inch in trunk diameter and 6-8 feet in height.

What is my role as homeowner?

1. Own the house at the requested location and have an appropriate planting site.

2. Agree to water the tree at least weekly from May through October for its first two years.

3. Give BWB permission to plant the tree by completing the form:

Please follow this link for the web form to request a street or yard tree for your home.

Please submit by September 20, 2016 for Fall Planting

This program is also available in other neighborhoods. If you aren't a Ridgeleigh resident, then you can complete the online form or contact your community association. If your neighborhood doesn't already participate and you are interested in a similar program, please let us know. We could also use volunteers for planting trees and canvasing the neighborhood and spreading the word.