Hurry and grab your free tree if you are a resident of Howard County.

Planting a tree is a great way to combat climate change, manage stormwater runoff, save energy and keep cool. Howard County’s “Live Green” initiative is helping residents and the environment this fall with a tree giveaway. Residents can pick up a tree of their choice to take home and plant in their backyard or garden. The free trees will be available for pick up on Oct. 17 and 19 at two locations in the county. 

The county is giving away the 2,000 trees in an effort to promote and protect the environment. Each home can pick up one tree and choose from seven varieties; Red Maple, River Birch, American Hornbeam, Black Gun, Sycamore, Swamp White Oak, and Northern Red Oak. The trees will be approximately five to eight feet high and come in a five-gallon container. Varieties are first come, first serve and must be ordered through the Live Green Howard website.

To get a free tree, you must be a resident of Howard County, verified through the website. Once you punch in your address, you will be able to choose a tree, pickup date, and pickup location. Trees will be available on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Recreation and Parks Headquarters in Columbia or the West Friendship Park in West Friendship. You must be able to pick up the tree and load it into your car.

Not a resident of Howard County? There are several programs offered throughout the state for free trees. Tree Baltimore, Marylanders Plant Trees, and Tree Montgomery all provide free or discounts for trees purchased and planted in Maryland. 

Have you ever taken advantage of the free tree programs in Maryland? Tell us in the comments!