Backyard Buffers - Coming Soon!

Orders will open in Mid-March

If you are NEW to the program (never received buffers before) - you may email replant@aawsa.org for potential Early Bird Access.

Only 2 buffers per household will be allowed for everyone.

Don’t forget the Deer Protection! Deer protection will also be available to purchase with your buffer bundle.
Protect your trees!

If you are looking to plant trees and not seedlings, please reach out to replant@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 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.

What is in each bundle?

Each bundle includes 12 tree/shrub seedlings.

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

2024 bundles included:

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?

In a 2024 a donation of $12 per bundle was 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.