Why plant trees on your property? Trees provide many benefits for homeowners, including interception of rain water and reduction of storm water runoff, reducing residential cooling & heating costs, carbon sequestration, and increasing property values (just to name a few).

There are other programs available to residents to provide funding for tree planting on private property. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also has a program - visit the Maryland DNR Tree Coupon page for more information.

The City’s Tree & Landscape Board has a brochure and flyer about Trees for City Residents:

Request for City tree maintenance or planting

PROTECTING OUR TREE CANOPY
Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem. A majority of the City’s tree canopy is in residential neighborhoods – this means our residents can make a big difference in helping to maintain our tree canopy!

On May 10, 2022, the City Council approved Ordinance 21-O-09, which will require a permit to remove trees on residential land. Starting July 1, 2022, those who wish to remove or prune a tree must submit an application for a permit.

The ordinance was enacted to limit the removal of healthy, mature trees as a measure to maintain the City’s tree canopy. The Tree and Landscape Board and City Council held numerous public meetings and incorporated changes to address many concerns and suggestions from residents.

Residents, property owners, and tree and landscape companies may have many questions about this new permitting process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the City requiring a tree permit to remove trees on my property?

Large trees contribute significantly to the City’s tree canopy, which benefits the entire community in numerous ways—cleaner air, lower temperatures, reduction of flooding, increased property values, and improved health benefits . The City’s permitting process is a way to help protect and manage community trees and the tree canopy.

Where can I find a copy of the ordinance?

You can find a copy of the ordinance at www.collegeparkmd.gov/21-O-09.

When did the tree ordinance go into effect?

July 1, 2022.

What actions require a tree permit?

Permits are required before you:
a. remove a tree (on residentially-zoned property) that is 36 inches in circumference or greater when measured at 4.5 feet above ground level, or
b. prune more than 20% of the live branches from a 36-inch circumference or larger tree.

How do I apply for a tree permit?

Applications are available online, on the City’s website, at collegeparkmd.gov/trees. If you need a printed copy, please visit the Department of Public Works during business hours after that date. Before any work can begin, residents must submit and have approved a completed application.

Is there an application fee to obtain a permit?

No.

When should I expect to receive a response from the City?

Once a completed application has been submitted, residents should expect to hear back from the Department of Public Works within 15 business days.

What factors will be considered during the application approval process?

A tree removal/pruning application will be approved, and a permit issued if the tree is:
• Dead or diseased,
• Hazardous to the safety of persons or property and the risk cannot be mitigated using current tree care, ANSI (American National Standard Institute) standards,
• An invasive species (identified on the Maryland Invasive Species Council; current list.
• Objectively determined to adversely impact the property because of its location, condition or effect on other structures or trees,
• Located near houses or utilities where it can cause structural damage,
• Located in a place that would make it difficult for a property owner to expand the footprint of the house in conjunction with an approved building permit from the County and City,
• A Heritage tree, measuring 80 inches in circumference or greater at 4.5 feet above ground level, that is healthy and non-hazardous, unless its location would actually prevent expansion of the footprint of the house in conjuction with a building permit that can otherwise be approved by the County and the City.

How long is an approved permit valid?

An approved tree removal/pruning permit will be valid for 1 (one) calendar year from the date issued of approval and must be conspicuously posted on the property until the tree is removed or pruned.

What if my application for a permit is denied?

The applicant may request a second opinion from a third-party assessor, qualified as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist or a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist that is licensed and insured to perform tree assessments in Maryland. The third-party assessor shall perform a level III assessment and provide a written report of the findings with recommendations to the applicant. The applicant shall provide the written report from the level III assessment to the City’s Department of Public Works for reconsideration of the tree removal/pruning application decision. The applicant shall be reimbursed for one-half of the cost of the Arborist’s level III assessment.

If my application is again denied after the second assessment, can the denial be appealed?

Yes, a tree removal/permit application that is denied by the City’s Department of Public Works may be appealed to the City’s Tree & Landscape Board. The applicant must make the appeal in writing and deliver it to the City Clerk within 15 business days of the date of the application denial. The appeal will be considered during at the Tree and Landscape Board meeting following the filing of the appeal. The Board will evaluate all the information presented by the applicant, including any mitigation proposed by the applicant, and will make a final decision within thirty days of the meeting.

The decision of the Tree & Landscape Board may be appealed by the applicant to the Mayor and Council, in writing, by delivery to the City Clerk within 15 business days of issuance. A written appeal can be emailed to the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerkoffice@collegeparkmd. gov, or it may be mailed/dropped off at:

City of College Park City Hall
Attn: City Clerk’s Office
7401 Baltimore Avenue Suite 201
College Park, MD 20740

If mailed, the letter must be postmarked within 15 business days of the application denial date.

If a tree is causing imminent danger, can I have the tree removed or pruned without first getting a permit?

In the event of an emergency, you are able to remove or prune trees on your property to rectify a dangerous situation caused by the tree. Prior to performing any tree work, you must document the nature of the emergency and danger created by the tree and send the photos and related documentation to the City’s Department of Public Works and Department of Public Service’s Code Enforcement Division. Contact information is available on our website.

Do I need to replace trees removed whose circumference is more than 36 inches?

Yes, a requirement of the tree removal/pruning permit is that urban tree(s) are replaced.

Why are replacement trees necessary?

Tree replacement is needed to sustain the tree canopy. In the natural environment, regeneration occurs through natural processes, but in an urban environment we must continually plant new trees in order to replenish the tree canopy. The City provides several ways to assist property owners who want to plant trees.

Why are two replacement trees necessary when removing trees larger than 48 inches circumference?

The removal of larger trees is a greater loss to the tree canopy, and so more replacement trees are needed to replace the greater tree canopy loss. to fill that void. What are the requirements for replacement trees in conjunction with an approved tree removal permit? All replacement tree species shall be approved in writing by the Department of Public Works prior to planting. Replacement trees must meet the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP) tree size guidelines, regardless if reimbursement from the program is requested. Replacement tree(s) must be planted within 12 months from the date tree removal is complete.

If a is tree is 36 inches – 47 inches in circumference and approved for removal – one (1) replacement tree must be planted, or a $250 contribution/fee must be made to the Urban Tree Protection Fund.

Tree(s) over 48 inches in circumference approved for removal require two (2) replacement trees to be planted, or a $500 contribution/fee must be made to the Urban Tree Protection Fund.

Replacement trees should be planted on the same property where they were removed, whenever practicable.

Property owners who can demonstrate financial hardship may request a waiver of the contribution/fee to the Urban Tree Protection Fund by writing to the Department of Public Works.

Is funding available for replacement trees in conjunction with an approved tree removal permit?

Yes! A property owner may request reimbursement from the City’s Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP), for a tree planted on the property, as long as they meet the program guidelines. Or as an alternative, a property owner may request reimbursement of up to $300 from the City for the cost of purchasing and planting on the property a tree species and size that meets the guidelines of the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP) and is approved by the Department of Public Works.

When will tree replacement reimbursement requests be processed?

Replacement tree reimbursement requests will be processed six (6) months after planting if the replacement tree is in a healthy condition as determined by the Department of Public Works.

How do I obtain a replacement tree?

The property owner should go to a reputable source, such as a nursery or garden center, for their replacement trees. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a list of participating nurseries (https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/nurseries.aspx) that will accept the DNR $25.00 off coupon. Click here for more information.

What is a Heritage Tree?

A residential tree that measures greater than 80 inches in circumference is considered a Heritage Tree.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree under 36 inches in circumference measured at 4 feet above ground level?

No, this ordinance does not apply to trees with a circumference less than 36 inches.

What happens if a tree more 36 inches in circumference is removed without a permit, or if more than 20% of the tree is pruned, or if an approved and permitted tree is removed but not replaced?

Tree removal or pruning more than 20% of an urban tree without an approved permit is a municipal infraction for each offense. During the first six (6) month introductory period (July 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023), the fine is $500 per offense. After February 1, 2023, the fine increases to $1,000 per offense. Failure to plant a replacement tree(s) or to contribute/pay into Urban Tree Protection Fund also carries a municipal infraction for each offense. During the first six (6) month introductory period (July 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023), the fine is $500 per offense. After February 1, 2023, the fine increases to $1,000 per offense.

Who would be fined if there is a violation?

The owner or occupant(s) of the property where an urban tree is located, as well as any business or individual performing work for the property owner or occupant who violates any provision of Chapter 179 shall each be guilty of a municipal infraction, and each subject to the penalty in Chapter 110 of the City code.

I still have questions--who should I contact?

Please direct any questions about this ordinance to arborist@collegeparkmd.gov or call the Department of Public Works at 240-487-3595.

I’m not planning on removing any trees, but am interested in helping increase the tree canopy. What tree planting programs does the City offer?

The Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP) provides limited reimbursement (up to $150.00) for the cost of purchasing and planting a tree on residential property. In the spring, the City hosts an annual tree giveaway event for Earth Day. Residents can also request street trees to be planted in the right-of-way in front of their house.

View All

Urban Tree Canopy Map

This map depicts the change in tree canopy coverage between 2014 and 2018 for the City of College Park. The outcome of the analysis includes 3 change categories: "Gain", "Loss", and "No Change". This status reflects conditions in the summer of 2018. The City aims to update this product at regular intervals and anticipates a new dataset by 2023. This schedule is subject to the availability of the geospatial data and funding necessary to complete a new assessment.

See the full Tree Canopy Assessment Report for additional information about the project and its results.

Electric Line Clearance

PEPCO maintains clearance around their power distribution lines to maintain service reliability. Contractors develop a scope of work for City trees and for trees on private property. No tree work will begin until after the planned work is agreed upon by the City, private tree owners and PEPCO. If trees on your private property will be impacted, you will be contacted by the planner.

For further information, contact the Department of Public Works.

Tree City USA

The City has been a Tree City USA designated city for more than 30 years!

The Department of Public Works landscape crew plant and maintain flower beds at various locations throughout the City, including City buildings and recreational facilities, City entrance signs, community entrances, roadway medians and rights-of-way. These seasonal plantings have earned the City designation as "Tree City USA" and "Plant City".

Ongoing services and coordination with the Committee for a Better Environment (CBE), the Tree & Landscape Board, and the Veterans Memorial Committee ensures community involvement with City beautification projects.

ARBOR DAY

Every year, the City celebrates Arbor Day by planting trees in the City. During the event, the City receives its annual Tree City USA designation.

2023 Event:

The Tree and Landscape Board and the North College Park Civic Association are hosting the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on Friday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Narragansett Parkway and 52^nd Avenue. A native Scrub Pine will be planted.

2022 Event:

On Friday, April 29, 2022 at 2pm at 4601 Calvert Road, the City will celebrate Arbor Day. Two native trees will be planted on the south side of the building. All are welcome to attend.

2021 Event:

On Friday, April 30, 2021 at 6:30 p.m., City celebrated Arbor Day by planting an evergreen tree in James Adams Park in Lakeland. The evergreen will function as a gathering place for the Lakeland comunity during the holiday season.

The park was named in honor of long-time resident James Adams. Mr. Adams was an active member of the community, an avid gardener, and enthusiastic supporter of environmental issues. The park was officially dedicated as James Adams Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony in 1996.

Thank you to Mrs. Adams and her family, the Lakeland Civic Association, the City's Tree and Landscape Board, and everyone who joined us during our Arbor Day celebration.

Past Events

Past events have included planting trees at Paint Branch elementary school and with the College Park Nursery School at St. Andrew’s Church. The event is held every April and information can be found on the City calendar or the City’s event page.

Interested in participating or being a host location? Contact the City’s Department of Public Works at publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.

Winter Tree Care

Which season is the best time to prune deciduous trees? If you guessed winter, you would be right! This is because damaged limbs and the presence of pests are more clearly visible during the winter after leaves have fallen off the tree.

During the dormant or winter season, a tree without leaves allows an arborist to inspect the tree canopy for limb damage, and make recommendations for pruning or removal. The arborist will also inspect the structure of the tree and its branches. Pruning may be recommended to increase airflow through the tree canopy to help prevent storm damage when leaves return to the tree. Trees that sustain damage from storms are more likely to be subjected to insect damage and disease pressure.

But before you do any pruning or tree work, the first step is to contact a certified arborist who is licensed in the State of Maryland, to perform the tree work.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency that licenses companies that perform various types of tree maintenance. You can find a list of tree companies licensed to perform tree maintenance in the State of Maryland using this link: https://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/forests/tree_expert_search.asp. The listing identifies companies that have ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborists on their staff.

Winter is also a good time to inspect trees for signs of disease presence or insect damage.

If the arborist identifies a pest presence, control measures may be recommended prior to leaf growth in the spring, or dormant pruning for certain species of trees, which are susceptible to insect vectored diseases. Insects that carry harmful tree diseases (i.e. Dutch Elm or Oak Wilt), are less active during cold winter weather, thereby enabling recommended pruning. Dormant pruning will permit callous tissue to begin sealing the pruning cut before spring growth begins and insect pests become active. Some tree species that are pruned during the warmer months of the year may become susceptible to the invasion of diseases or insect damage due to increased pest activity. This is because the sap on the freshly cut limbs and branches will attract insects such as beetles and emerald ash borers that are harmful to Oaks and Ash trees. Trees in the rosacea family such as pears, apples, shadbush, and hawthorns should also be pruned during the dormant season to help reduce the spread of bacterial fire blight disease.

If the arborist recommends a control treatment, only hire firms licensed in the State of Maryland to perform the pesticide applications. A list of companies who are licensed in the State of Maryland to perform pesticide applications can be found at https://egov.maryland.gov/mda/pesticides/. Several tree care companies are licensed to both perform tree inspections and apply pesticides to treat identified conditions.

Plight of the Bradford Pear

Longtime residents of College Park will remember streets lined with blooming Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) trees, the one-time official tree of Prince Georges County. Currently, there are far fewer Bradford pear street trees in College Park and the official tree of Prince Georges County has changed to the native willow oak. Which brings us to the questions, why are Bradford pears no longer a preferred street tree and why was there a change in designation of the official County tree?

A bit of background first. Fruiting pear trees were introduced to North America by the early European colonists in the 1600’s. During the 1950’s, fire blight, a bacterial disease, began impacting fruiting pear trees on the West Coast of the United States. Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture in Oregon and at Glenn Dale, Maryland worked to develop a fire blight resistant fruiting pear tree by grafting Asian varieties of pear tree root stock onto fruiting varieties.

Researchers in Glenn Dale observed the durability of the Bradford pear and thought it would make a suitable street tree. They tested the tree along the bare streets of University Park, Maryland. The tree performed well and the push was on to introduce the Bradford pear to the nursery trade in the 1960’s. This tree species was also popular because it started blooming with an abundance of white flowers towards the end of March, which signaled that spring had arrived in Maryland. The shiny dark green leaves were attractive during the summer and changed to a pleasing burgundy fall color late in the season. These were some of the reasons why Prince Georges County adopted the Bradford pear as its official tree.

The original Bradford pear trees were self-sterile (unable to receive pollen from the same cultivar), but the new cultivar trees were able to send out root shoots whose flowers were cross pollinated by other varieties of pear trees, producing viable seeds. The fruit from these Bradford pears was then eaten by birds, and the seeds were dispersed by the birds resulting in Bradford pear trees growing along roadsides, in hedgerows, in woodlands and in fields throughout the United States. The Bradford pear is now considered an invasive species by the United States Department of Agriculture and the State of Maryland. The states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Carolina have passed laws banning the sales of this tree species.

The Bradford pear has become an unpopular tree to plant due to several other reasons. The flowers, though beautiful, have an unpleasant odor. Bradford trees grow quickly and have a large crown with poor branch attachment. The roots of the Bradford pear are shallow making the tree susceptible to failure during high winds. The structural deficiencies of the tree species become apparent after about twenty years of age when the trees begin losing branches and self-destructing during storms due to their tight branching habit. These undesirable attributes have contributed to the recommended and systematical removal of Bradford pear trees from roadsides and city parks in many jurisdictions throughout the Eastern United States. Homeowners should consider replacing Bradford pear trees on their property before they reach an age when they begin to deteriorate.

Introduced Bradford pear trees can be replaced with tree species native to College Park that perform well as urban street trees. These native trees will help support pollinator species of birds, insects and mammals that are native to Maryland. Some of these trees are Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). These are all flowering trees that bloom in the spring, however some flower earlier than others. A couple of larger trees that can be planted as replacement trees include the Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). The Tuliptree is frequently visited by hummingbirds when its yellow flowers are in bloom.

Have questions about which Bradford pear trees in the City of College Park will be removed in the future and what replacement trees will be planted? Email the City Horticulturist at horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov. Before planting any tree, please contact Miss Utility at 811 or via https://www.missutility.net/homeowner to request the underground utilities be marked to avoid future conflicts.

Urban Tree Benefits

Maintaining and planting trees provide numerous environmental and health benefits for the various organisms living and visiting in our area. Important benefits that urban trees provide include:

Cleaning Air and Mitigating Climate Change: Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen. Trees also intercept airborne pollutants common in urban cities. Both actions help mitigate climate change and contribute to cleaner air.
Intercepting Rainfall and Absorbing Stormwater: Trees absorb rainfall and decrease stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and pollution in our waterways. A healthy tree canopy means cleaner rivers and less investment in costly infrastructure. By intercepting rainfall and absorbing stormwater, trees help reduce water damage.
Reducing Energy: Trees provide shade, saving residents and businesses on energy cooling costs. This in turn, reduces energy useage.
Creating a Healthier and Safer Community: Green spaces help residents combat stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s shown that tree-lined streets have a traffic calming effect, which help keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue, thus creating a healthier and safer community.
Increased Business Activity: Trees attract businesses and tourists. People may linger and shop longer at businesses that are surrounded by trees which in turn, increases business and encourages social activity.
Support Wildlife: Trees provide food, homes, and shelter for many native and migratory animals. They support and protect wildlife, which benefits all of us.

caring for newly planted trees

If you have one of the new native trees provided by the city of College Park, or if you have recently planted a tree on your own, you will want to do what it takes to help that tree thrive. Trees are designed to survive, sure, but summers are rough in College Park and you can give your tree that extra edge. Here are some tips to help you care for your tree.

1. Give your tree the right amount of water. Watering is the most crucial aspect of tree care. Newly planted trees have small root systems, so their ability to draw water from the soil is rather meager. It is essential to provide them with adequate moisture to ensure their survival. Generally, new trees need about 1 inch of rain per week. If our rainfall is inadequate, you should ensure that your tree gets around 25 gallons of water each week. If the weather is particularly dry, these 25 gallons should be distributed twice weekly; that is, 12½ gallons of water per half-week. These recommendations are approximate and should be supplemented by observing your tree and the vegetation around it. If your tree looks thirsty, water it.

2. Water deeply. A common mistake is shallow watering, which only wets the top layer of soil. Instead, water your tree deeply, allowing the moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the tree's root system. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff.

3. Timing can help your watering be more effective. Watering your tree early in the morning or late in the evening is ideal. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when water can evaporate quickly, before it reaches your tree’s roots.

You can also help your new tree with mulch. A layer of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, applied around the base of the tree conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and reduces soil temperature. We recommend using the 3-3-3 rule: Apply your mulch in a 3-foot radius (a 6-foot circle around your tree.) The mulch layer should be no more than 3 inches deep. Leave bare or almost bare soil for 3 inches around the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation and potential disease risk. This latter recommendation should give you a donut-shaped ring. Overall, think donut, not volcano.

Finally, you may have to take precautions against our rather large and hungry deer population. If you have a tree species that deer enjoy for lunch, you should protect the tree with rigid plastic deer protection or welded wire fencing around the tree. Attach the deer protection with a wire tie to a stake. In the Fall, male deer may rub their antlers on your tree; needless to say, this is not good for small trees. The same plastic barrier should prevent this as well.

Patience is a virtue when caring for newly planted trees. It takes time for a tree to establish roots and adapt to its new environment. Be vigilant and persistent in providing the necessary care during the early years and your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, flourishing tree for generations to come.

Bees in Trees

Flowering trees are one of the exciting first signs that spring has finally arrived, but these trees play a much more significant role than you might realize in our local ecosystem. Native trees are a very important source of food and shelter for pollinators. When you think of spring trees you probably picture prolific bloomers such as cherry trees, dogwoods, and redbuds. Non-flowering native trees also produce flowers that benefit pollinators, such as Maples, Oaks, and Pines have very small flowers that go unnoticed by most individuals. As bees go about their day collecting nectar from plants, they spread pollen from flower to flower and play a vital role in the production of our most important fruits and vegetables. However, bee and other pollinator populations are decreasing at an alarming rate, which could lead to disaster for our natural landscapes and food production.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies the four primary threats to pollinators in North America to be shrinking habitats, invasive plants, pesticides, and climate change. So, what can we do to protect and encourage the growth of bee and pollinator populations in our own yards? Plant more native pollinator plants! While talk of pollinator gardens often brings to mind flowers and other herbaceous plants, trees play an integral role in building a pollinator friendly ecosystem. Due to their size and long lifespans, trees can provide reliable, long term, and abundant resources for these populations. As trees grow, they can support greater numbers of pollinators at a time and provide safe shelter up high where they and their larvae aren’t as susceptible to garden tools, pesticides, and pets.

It’s extremely important to plant trees that are native to our area in order to ensure they are a suitable food source for local species and can bridge the gap between habitats for migratory species as well. Invasive plants not only limit food sources but can also play a role in spreading disease to plants that support pollinators, or even to the pollinators themselves. Some recommended native trees that are especially beneficial to pollinators in our area are Eastern Redbud, Dogwood, Serviceberry, Tulip Tree, Hawthorn, American Linden, and Crabapple. You can also find an extensive list of Maryland native trees at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. So please consider planting a native tree to support local pollinators this spring!

References for beneficial trees:

https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/marylandersplanttrees/recommended-tree-list.aspx

https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2022/12/12/trees-shrubs-for-pollinators/

https://www.arborday.org/trees/health/pests/article-trees-for-bees.cfm

Winter Tree Care

Did you know that winter is a good time to prune and care for deciduous trees? Advantages of winter tree pruning include the unobstructed visibility by leaves of damaged limbs that need pruning or removal, structural pruning to improve future tree development, decreased presence and activity of disease and insects, and potential for savings on the cost of the tree work due to reduced workloads.

During the winter dormant season, after the leaves have fallen off a deciduous tree, it is easier for an arborist to inspect a tree for damaged limbs. Broken or decayed limbs, and detached limbs stuck in the tree canopy, commonly referred to as hangers, should be removed as part of recommended pruning. The arborist can also inspect the structure of the tree and branches, and may recommend pruning to improve airflow through the tree, which may help prevent storm damage during normal weather-related events. However, preventative structural pruning cannot protect a tree from damage as a result of a derecho, tornado, other straight-line wind events, or ice and snow loads that occur during extreme weather conditions. Trees that sustain damage because of these types of storm events are more likely to suffer from future insect and disease infestations if corrective pruning is not performed.

An arborist can readily identify signs of disease presence, such as fruiting structures or insect infestations such as boreholes in the tree without the obstruction of leaves. Dormant pruning in the winter will permit callous tissue to begin sealing the pruning cut before insects and disease organisms become active as weather warms in the spring. Insects that carry harmful tree diseases such as Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease are less active during the cold winter weather. Trees that are pruned during the warmer months of the year can be more susceptible to disease and insect damage due to increased pest activity, and the resulting tree sap on freshly cut limbs and branches can attract insects such as borers and sap beetles; sap flow in the tree is slowed during the colder dormant season. Trees in the rosacea family such as apple, pear, shadbush, and hawthorn should also be pruned during the dormant season to reduce the spread of bacterial fire blight disease, as transmission is slowed during the cold winter months.

What should be done to protect newly planted tree trunks from wildlife during the winter? Buck deer rub their antlers on young trees to remove the velvet, thus marking their territory. This rutting activity occurs during the late fall and early winter. The antler rubbing damages the cambium layer of the tree, and its removal can lead to the death of the tree or allow insects and diseases to enter the trunk. Deer will also eat, or “browse,” on tender tree buds and twigs when food is scarce during the winter. Mice and other small rodents chew on tree trunks when there is little other food available, which can also have detrimental effects on young trees.

There are several types of protection products available that can be installed on newly planted trees. One method is to wrap the tree trunks with tree wrap paper to protect the young trunks from browsing animals. Another effective method includes installing wire mesh fastened with zip ties or ridged plastic protectors around the tree trunk to protect trunks from deer rutting (see link below). The supplies used to protect tree trunks can be purchased at local nurseries or hardware stores. If several trees need protection, tall fencing, over 6 feet tall can be installed around the entire group of trees or property if deer populations are high.

In the State of Maryland, arborists that conduct tree assessments, tree care, maintenance, and removals, must be a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulates companies that perform tree work. To locate a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, visit https://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/forests/tree_expert_search.asp. The list includes companies that have Maryland Licensed Tree Experts on their staff.

If the Tree Expert recommends pruning more than 20% of live wood on a tree 36 inches in circumference measured at 4.5 feet above the ground, the City of College Park requires a property owner to obtain a permit to complete this work per Ordinance 21-O-09: SKM_C750i22051811240 (collegeparkmd.gov). Complete the application to begin the free permitting process. The application to prune or remove trees is found on the City of College Park webpage, Guide to Trees at www.collegeparkmd.gov/Trees. The webpage contains other useful information about how residents can care for their trees.

https://montgomeryplanning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tree-Protection-Fence-Deer.pdf

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/deer-damage

Take steps to protect trees and shrubs from deer: Dec 20, 2021 | News release | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

Fire blight | UMN Extension

Dutch elm disease | UMN Extension

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fire-blight-disease-trees

Trees

Request for City tree maintenance or planting

City Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP)

Tree Canopy Information & Requests

Frequently Asked Questions

<< November 18, 2020 TLB Urban Tree Canopy Forum

Urban Forest Protection Recommendations

Urban Tree Canopy Map

Request for Street Trees

Electric Line Clearance

Tree Maintenance

Trees of the Trolley Trail

Click on the link below for a Scavenger Hunt along the trolley trail