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.

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.

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.

Trees

Request for City tree maintenance or planting

City Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP)

Tree Canopy Information & Requests

<< November 18, 2020 TLB Urban Tree Canopy Forum

Urban Forest Protection Recommendations