Thank you for making our 2024
backyard buffer program a huge success!

1,200 new seedlings have been distributed in Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis to help restore our tree canopy!

If you missed your chance to purchase a bundle but are still looking to plant trees, please contact Faith Waaramaa, WSA Restoration Coordinator at faith@aawsa.org.

Order Deer Protection for your buffer

Backyard Buffers

AS OF 8:00am Tuesday, March 19th, we are completely OUT of Backyard Buffer bundle inventory for 2024.
We appreciate your enthusiastic support of this program and would like to thank our partners at maryland department of natural resources for making this program possible.

If you purchased a bundle and are in need of deer protection - click the link below to order.

Pick-up Information:

Location: Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center
975 Indian Landing Road
Millersville, MD 21108

Pick-up dates:

Tuesday, April 16th, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17th, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 18th, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Bundling Event: Morning of April 16th (contact Jeff if you are interested in helping at jeff@aawsa.org)

What is the Backyard Buffer program?

The Backyard Buffer program, supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides Anne Arundel County homeowners trees and shrubs 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.

What is in each bundle?

Each bundle includes 12 tree seedlings.

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

Shrub Bundles include 12 shrub seedlings (4 American Beautyberry, 4 Northern Bayberry, and 4 Winterberry) and are intended for properties with as little as 350 square feet of available planting space.
Small Tree Bundles include 12 tree seedlings (4 American Plum, 4 Indigo Bush, and 4 Silky Dogwood) 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 Northern Red 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.

2024 Backyard Buffer Species Guide

How many bundles can I order?

If you have a large property, you may order more than one bundle. Orders are limited to two bundles per household.

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.