Backyard Buffers 2026

Interested in hearing about our 2026 Backyard Buffer Program? Please email replant@aawsa.org to be put on our 2026 Email List.

Early Bird access will be given to those who did not order a bundle in 2024 or 2025. Please email replant@aawsa.org to express your interest.

If you are looking to plant larger trees (4-6 ft tall), please reach out to replant@aawsa.org or complete our RePlant Program Interest Form here.

What is the Backyard Buffer program?

The Backyard Buffer program, supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides Anne Arundel County homeowners tree and shrub seedlings to create a native woodland buffer.

Why should I plant a buffer?

A woodland buffer enhances your landscape, creates habitat for wildlife, and reduces the amount of sediment, fertilizer, and toxic materials that enter our waterways. Deep-rooted trees and shrubs can also stabilize stream banks, protecting them from erosion. 

Where can I plant my Buffer?

Buffers can be planted near any area where rainwater flows. For example:

• Near roadside ditches

• Downhill from hard surfaces such as parking lots or rooftops

• In areas that flood

• Along streams, creeks, or rivers

All buffers must be planted in Anne Arundel County or the City of Annapolis.

What is in each bundle?

Each bundle includes 12 tree/shrub seedlings.

How do I know what buffer is right for my area?

2026 bundles will include:

• Shrub Bundles include 12 shrub seedlings (4 Nannyberry, 4 Possumhaw, and 4 Ninebark) and are intended for properties with as little as 350 square feet of available planting space.

• Small Tree Bundles include 12 tree seedlings (4 Washington Hawthorn, 4 Buttonbush, and 4 Beach plum) and are intended for properties with approximately 0.25 acres of available planting space (or share with a neighbor!)

• Dry Canopy Bundles include 12 tree seedlings (4 Chestnut oak, 4 Pin Oak, and 4 Virginia Pine) and are intended for properties with .5 acre of available planting space. The tree species in this bundle require a planting area with well-drained soil (no standing water).

• Wet Canopy Bundles include 12 tree seedlings (4 River Birch, 4 Sycamore, and 4 Bald Cypress) and are intended for properties with .5 acre of available planting space.

How many bundles can I order?

Orders are limited to a total of two bundles per household (a total of 24 seedlings).

Early Bird access will be given to those who did not order a bundle in 2024 or 2025. If you are participating in the Early Bird ordering, only one bundle may be ordered during the Early Bird launch. If you would like to order a second bundle, you can do so on the official Backyard Buffer launch day, TBD. Please email replant@aawsa.org to express interest in the Backyard Buffer Early Bird access.

Looking for more plants? WSA provides larger tree stock (4-6 feet tall upon planting) each spring and fall. Please email replant@aawsa.org to inquire, or browse the available species here. For large seedling orders, you are also welcome to order directly from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources nursery here.

What is the cost?

A donation of $12 per bundle is suggested to offset the cost of this program. Additionally, if your yard has high deer pressure (i.e. you see deer in your yard regularly), deer protection is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at $32.
If you wish to donate more, please add the “Sponsor a Buffer” item to your cart.

Individuals may be eligible to receive Backyard Buffers at a special discounted rate. Please reach out to Faith Waaramaa at faith@aawsa.org to inquire.

How do I plant my buffer?

We have created a free, virtual workshop to provide you with the best practices for planting your tree seedlings. Watch it here!

For more information on how to identify and plant your seedlings after you take them home, check out our Buffer Planting & Care FAQs page HERE.

Please note: The Buffer Planting & Care FAQs page has not been updated with the 2026 species yet.