2025 City of Annapolis
Groves of Gratitude Contents
Frequently asked Questions:
How do I know what plants are best for my area?
To see the site requirements and species descriptions for each plant, see the Groves Descriptions & Site Requirements section at the bottom of this page.
What is the cost?
All single trees are $20.00 a tree.
For City of Annapolis residents- Each Grove is $45.00.
Deer guards will be sold separately for $5.00 each.
What comes with my order?
Potted plants in 1-5 gallon containers; approximately 1-6 feet tall upon planting
Bagged mulch
Instructions for tree planting and care
What are deer guards?
Deer guards protect trees and shrubs from deer browse and buck rub. Deer guards can be plastic mesh tubes that fit around the trunk, or wire mesh cages that encircle the entire plant. Deer guards are $5.00 for a single tree, and will also come with a wooden stake and zip ties, for attaching the deer guard to the ground. WSA recommends deer protection for each tree in high deer-pressure areas.
When and where do I pick up my order?
City of Annapolis pick ups will take place on Monday, November 10th and Tuesday, November 11th from 4:00-6:30pm. Exact location will be confirmed soon, but will likely be the Pip Moyer Recreation Center.
Groves COntents For City of Annapolis residents
Click photos to learn about grove or single tree’s description and site requirements.
Don’t need trees but want to
support this program?
The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center
The Light House will receive 50% of the proceeds from every Groves of Gratitude purchase!
Groves Descriptions & Site Requirements:
Groves for City of ANnapolis Residents
backyard grove
Suggested Donation: $60 ∙ Includes two potted American Linden, one potted Sweetbay Magnolia, and three bags of mulch.
American linden (Tilia americana)
Mature Height: 50-80'
Mature Spread: 50-70'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to full shade
Moisture Requirements: Moist
Soil Type: Loam, sand
Seasonality: Yellow to golden-yellow leaves in fall. Flowers in late spring (May-June), small, pale yellow, and fragrant. Fruits in late summer to early fall (August-September), small, round nutlets.
Fun fact: It is a host plant for two species of butterflies and the fruit provides food for birds and squirrels. This plant tolerates drought once established, but thrives in moist, well-draining soils.
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Mature Height: 15-35'
Mature Spread: 15-35'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand
Seasonality: Semi-evergreen, yellow-green leaves in fall. Flowers in late spring to early summer (May-June), large, white, and fragrant. Fruits mature in late summer to fall, reddish-brown clusters containing bright red seeds.
Fun fact: As a semi-evergreen, it periodically sheds old leaves as new ones begin to grow in. It is great for areas with high deer-pressure, and it is moderately salt and flood-tolerant. Its bright red seeds attract birds, especially in late summer and fall.
Street tree grove
Suggested Donation: $60 ∙ Includes one potted Willow Oak, two potted Allegheny serviceberry, and three bags of mulch.
Willow oak (Quercus phellos)
Mature Height: 40-75'
Mature Spread: 25-50'
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Soil Type: Clay, loam
Seasonality: Yellow to brown leaves in fall. Flowers in April-May, small and non-showy catkins. Fruits in September-October, small, flat acorns.
Fun fact: This is considered a more disease ad pest resistant oak, and is very tolerant of urban pollution. Its small acorns are a favorite food for ducks, deer, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Alleghney serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
Mature Height: 15-40’
Mature Spread: 15-20’
Sun Requirements: Full sun to full shade
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Soil Type: Loam, sand
Seasonality: Red leaves in fall. Flowers in early spring (March–April), white and showy. Fruits in June–July, small, dark purple to black berries.
Fun fact: This tree feeds birds, bees, and even people who enjoy the sweet fruit. Once ripened, the fruits are edible and taste similar to blueberries.
Single Trees for City of Annapolis REsidents
american holly
Suggested Donation: $20 ∙ Includes one potted American holly and one bag of mulch.
American holly (Ilex opaca)
Mature Height: 15-30'
Mature Spread: 15-20'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to full shade
Moisture Requirements: Moist
Soil Type: Clay, loam
Seasonality: Evergreen. Red berries mature in the fall and persist through the winter, providing shelter and food for overwintering wildlife.
Fun fact:
American Witch Hazel
Suggested Donation: $20 ∙ Includes one potted American Witch Hazel and one bag of mulch.
American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virgininana)
Mature Height: 15-20'
Mature Spread: 15-20'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Moisture Requirements: Dry to moist
Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand
Seasonality: Bright yellow, fragrant flowers in late fall to early winter (October-December). Leaves turn yellow in fall before dropping. Fruits mature the following year in late summer.
Fun fact: This unique shrub blooms in late fall, sometimes even after the leaves have dropped and snow has fallen. Different parts of witch-hazel are used in natural medicinal practices
black gum
Suggested Donation: $20 ∙ Includes one potted Black Gum and one bag of mulch.
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Mature Height: 30-80'
Mature Spread: 30-50'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Moisture Requirements: Dry, moist, or wet
Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand
Seasonality: Vibrant red to purple-red leaves in fall. Flowers in April-May, small and greenish-yellow. Fruits in September-November, dark blue to black berries.
Fun fact: This tree has some of the most stunning fall color with bright red to purple leaves. The small fruits feed birds like robins and woodpeckers, and its flowers are great for bees.
river birch
Suggested Donation: $20 ∙ Includes one potted River Birch and one bag of mulch.
River Birch (Betula nigra)
Mature Height: 40-80'
Mature Spread: 40-60'
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Soil Type: Clay, loam
Seasonality: Bright yellow to golden-yellow leaves in fall. Flowers in March-April, small catkins. Fruits in September-November, small, cone-like clusters that persist through winter.
Fun fact: River birch bark peels in beautiful curls, even in winter, making it a standout tree year-round. It also helps stabilize soil along riverbanks and prevents erosion.