Forest Edge Restoration Project located in Montgomery County. (Nick Kurtz/MDOT)
Free Trees? Yes Please! The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is accepting applications again for its Urban Tree Grant Program! Communities in urban areas who have lost trees due to the construction of transportation projects are eligible for awards up to $5,000 to support tree planting projects in their community. These trees will support Maryland’s 5 Million Trees Initiative, which has a goal of planting and maintaining five new million trees by 2031.
Since its inception, the program has awarded over $190,000 in support of 72 awards, which will result in over 3,500 trees being added to urban communities in Maryland. MDOT partners with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee to provide recipients with the trees and other resources needed for planting to make a greener, more climate-resilient Maryland.
Below are four benefits that trees have on urban communities and why you should consider applying for MDOT Urban Tree Program funding;
- Trees and green spaces benefit our mental wellbeing and are essential to people who live and work in cities. Trees create feelings of relaxation, a sense of solitude and a sense of community pride. Studies have even found that exposure to nature during acute hospitalization correlates with reduced anxiety and depression, reduced pain and patient satisfaction.
- Trees promote physical wellbeing in urban areas! Studies show that people who live in proximity to urban forests live more active lifestyles. Research papers have found an association between exposure to forests and a healthier human immune system, like lower incidents of cardiovascular diseases.
- Trees that are strategically placed can help save energy in homes and businesses by reducing air conditioning costs up to 30% from the shade. They also act as a windbreak during the winter, resulting in fewer fossil fuels used to heat homes.
- Properties that are well landscaped and that include trees are more desirable. Offices and businesses that include greenery are in higher demand and more valuable to sell or rent.
Trees in urban areas help communities not just environmentally, but socially and economically. MDOT is committed to environmental stewardship and to helping your community through the Urban Tree Program.
Grow a greener Maryland—apply to MDOT’s Urban Tree Program for funding to plant trees in your community. Access the application here and submit it by January 15th for spring planting consideration.
For questions about the Urban Tree Program or for support with your application, please contact Program Coordinator Nick Kurtz at [email protected].
Bridget Cummings was a summer fellow in the Office of Environment at the Maryland Department of Transportation.