Native Trees

Please note this website is not an official Howard County Government website. To learn more about the programs mentioned in this website and available through the Howard County Government, please visit: https://www.cleanwaterhoward.com/

Benefits of Trees

  • Trees hold soil in place with their roots

  • They slow water falling through leaves which prevents erosion

  • Rain water lands on the canopies and evaporates from there instead of reaching the ground

  • They absorb carbon dioxide and filter pollutants out of the air,

  • Trees take carbon out of the air and store it which helps combat climate change

  • They can shade your house, which can decreases your energy bill

  • Trees can be beautiful and some species can provide edible fruit for you and/or wildlife

  • They provide many birds, mammals, and beneficial insects with food and shelter

Things to Consider

  • Do you have space for a small tree? A bigger tree? Remember that tree roots can span far beyond the canopy and tree branches/trees too close to your house could be dangerous. Consider if a possible site is too close the foundation of your house or underground utilities (septic, well, water lines, power/cable lines) and if a tree in that spot would ever cause problems for your neighbors.

  • Cleanup - Trees can drop a lot of leaves. You may not want a tree that hangs directly over a pool or other feature of your yard that you would not want leaves in/on.

  • All trees require maintenance, especially during the first 2 years after planting. Remember to take care of your trees. See Managing Trees below.

How to Plant a Tree

How to plant a tree

  1. Contact Miss Utility to find where your utilities are before digging

  2. Select a spot for your tree (see Things to Consider above)

  3. Determine the best tree for that spot (see Suggested Trees below or the Resource page)

  4. Buy the tree (see Resource page for nurseries)

  5. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the tree container and deep enough to fit the tree but not too deep. The bottom of the tree (where the trunk starts) needs to be level with the ground.

  6. Take the tree out of the pot, free or score the roots by gently loosening them with your hands and/or a trowel, and put the tree in the hole. Do not be afraid that you may hurt the tree when freeing its roots, doing so will encourage healthier growth. If you do not loosen the roots, the tree will not grow well and may die in a few years.

  7. Fill the hole with a mix of compost and excavated soil, making sure to cover all potting soil and roots.

  8. Use the ring/donut method for mulching. Do not mound the mulch against the tree. Instead, leave a ring around the tree where there is not much mulch. See the bottom of the page for more information.

  9. Optional but recommended for deer protection: cages and stakes

Above, the mulch is mounded against the tree, which is harmful. Below, the tree was mulched correctly

Managing Trees

  • Water your trees as long as necessary for the species after planting

  • Monitor your trees to make sure they stay healthy

  • Watch for vines. Cut them as close to the roots (at the bottom) as possible. It is important to get rid of vines while they are young since they can grow big and quickly become hard to remove if left unchecked

  • If roots start to circle around the tree trunk, the surrounding soil is compacted and the roots cannot grow through it. Call an arborist right away.

  • If you notice a problem with your tree (leaves fall too early, looks like the tree is sick/infested) call an arborist right away

Suggested Trees

  • River Birch (Betula nigra)- loves moisture, full or part sun, has interesting bark, yellow leaves in the fall

  • Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)- moist soil, full sun to part shade, evergreen shrub

  • Dogwoods (preferably native ones)- partial sun, moist, well-drained soils, compact, easier to maintain, striking flower

  • This site has a list of hardy trees. It lists natives and non-natives, but consider choosing a native tree.

Tree Maintenance Guide

Maintenance Instructions for Trees.pdf

Mulching

MG Article-05-17 Mulching-Think Donut Not Volcano by Ron Dudley.pdf