FAQs

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Tree Montgomery shade tree planting program.

 

Application Process

About Trees

Tree Planting

Post-planting

Application Process


How do I apply?

Fill out an online application. You will need the street address, the name of the person to contact, their email, and daytime phone number. If you cannot apply online or in English, please call MC 311 (Outside of the County: 240-777-0311 / TTY: 301-251-4850).


Are the shade trees really free?

Yes, the shade trees provided and installed by Tree Montgomery are completely free! The program is funded through the Tree Canopy Law or grants received to offset environmental disturbances during development activities in Montgomery County.


How many free shade trees can I get?

It depends on the size of your property, the number of suitable locations to plant shade trees, and the need for shade. Usually, we can plant more than one tree on each property.


Where does the money come from? Are these taxpayer dollars?

Tree Montgomery is funded by fees collected under the Tree Canopy Law, which requires trees to be planted or fees to be paid as mitigation during development activity. Tree Montgomery uses these fees to purchase and install shade trees.


How long do I have to wait?

After applying, you will receive an email from Tree Montgomery within six to twelve months. This program is on-going and funding is available; we encourage everyone who is interested to sign up! A tree expert will reach out to you as soon as possible.


Which jurisdictions are NOT eligible for Tree Montgomery?

Tree Montgomery is not available within the city limits of Rockville or Gaithersburg. But other tree planting programs are! For more information, see Other Planting Programs.


Can we plant the tree in the right-of-way?

No, Tree Montgomery does not plant trees in the county’s right-of-way. To request a new street tree or report an issue with a street tree, contact MC311 or submit a request online at Request County to Plant a Tree.

 

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About Trees


What is a shade tree, and how many species are available?

Shade trees are trees that typically grow to more than 50 feet tall and have broad leafy crowns when mature, such as oaks, maples, and elms. We plant more than 35 different species of shade trees that are native to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States.


How big will the tree get and will it drop acorns or fruit?

Shade trees offered through Tree Montgomery typically grow to more than 50 feet tall with broad leafy crowns when mature. Some species drop seeds, like acorns, while others have small seeds that are eaten by birds and squirrels. Some fruitless varieties are available.


How tall is the tree when it’s planted?

Each new shade tree will be 12 to 18 feet tall when installed.


Do I have enough room for a large shade tree?

Tree Montgomery experts will help you assess your property during a site visit, but trees can be planted in spaces as small as 400 square feet.

 

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Tree Planting


How does the planting process work?

Detailed information about each step in the planting process is located on the How It Works page.


Who will plant the tree?

The tree planting will be handled by the County’s professional and experienced contractor, D. A. Dunlevy.


Do I need a site visit? Do I need to be home for it?

Tree Montgomery visits all properties to confirm tree planting plans. You do not need to be present for the site visit, and no appointments are necessary. If needed, the Tree Montgomery expert will schedule a time to meet with you or talk with you by phone while they’re on the property. After the site visit is complete, they may follow up with you about specific conditions and tree species selections.


Do I need to sign a right of access agreement?

Yes, before the County can plant a tree on private property, we require a signed right of access agreement (Sample Access Agreement). This gives the County and approved contractors permission to plant the tree species you’ve selected in the chosen locations. The agreement also allows for return visits to inspect your newly planted shade trees, and, in rare instances, make corrections.


Who will inspect the tree?

A Tree Montgomery expert or a tree expert from an approved contractor will inspect the tree within a week of its installation.

 

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Post-planting


Are there resources available for caring for my new tree?

Yes, Tree Montgomery provides detailed information on the Care Guide.


How much should I water my new tree?

Follow our Watering Care Guide instructions for watering your new tree during the first 4 weeks and the first 2 summers.


How long should my tree guard stay on?

A deer guard, a 4ft black plastic tube, will be installed to protect your tree. Leave your guard in place until the trunk is big enough to fill the tube and then remove it. The guard must be removed before it cuts into the trunk of the tree.


How long should my tree stakes stay on?

For trees with stakes, remove the ties from the tree stem after the first year. The ties must be removed before they cut into the trunk of the tree.


What if my newly planted tree falls over?

Contact Tree Montgomery as soon as possible. The tree experts will arrange to fix or replace the tree. Reply to any email you received from Tree Montgomery.


What if my newly planted tree dies?

Tree Montgomery is committed to establishing trees to increase tree canopy and shade across the county. If one or more of your new trees dies, reply to any email you received from Tree Montgomery to arrange for it to be replaced.

 

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