Native Trees
About
Native trees live, grow, and reproduce naturally in an area (rather than being introduced by man.) They are more resilient to disease and adapted to the region’s climate and soil. Native species support natural ecosystems by providing habitat and food for birds, wildlife, and insects. Did you know native trees host hundreds of varieties of caterpillars that feed nesting songbirds? Nonnative trees do not provide this food source.
More than 60 species of trees are native to Anne Arundel County. Some of the most common choices are red and white oak, willow oak, redbud, eastern red cedar, yellow poplar, sweetgum, sycamore, and red maple. For a list of our recommended native trees, check out our Resilient Tree Species Manual.
Increase the native tree canopy in your community through Replant Anne Arundel!
Benefits
Trees are critical to the health of our watershed. Deep root systems control erosion and absorb pollutants that would otherwise enter the Bay. Leaf canopies intercept and slow rain as it falls. The forest floor with its layers of twigs, leaves, and understory vegetation, acts as a sponge for stormwater. Read more about the impact of leaves on our blog.
Trees provide important wildlife habitat—many animals and birds depend on trees for a place to live and for food. Trees also store carbon and intercept airborne pollutants. Trees can contribute to energy savings, too. The shade from trees planted at a proper exposure near a home can reduce summer cooling costs by 40%.