Urban & Community Forestry

Maryland’s Urban & Community Forestry Program supports the stewardship, management, protection, and renewal of forests and trees in developed communities across the state. Maryland law directs the Department of Natural Resources to administer a statewide program and provide technical and financial assistance for the retention and management of forests and trees in urban and community areas.

The Maryland Forest Service carries out this work through two main program areas: urban forestry and community forestry.

Urban Forestry

Urban forestry includes the State programs that regulate professional tree care and work affecting trees in public road rights-of-way.

The Licensed Tree Expert Program establishes licensing requirements for professional tree care work in Maryland. The Roadside Tree Program protects trees within public road rights-of-way and administers permits for pruning, removal, planting, and other regulated work.

Other State forest protection requirements, including the Forest Conservation Act and Reforestation Law, may also apply depending on the site and activity.

Community Forestry

Community forestry helps communities manage, restore, and steward forests and trees over time. Work may include care of existing wooded areas, forest health and regeneration, local stewardship, education, planning, and establishment of new trees and forest cover.

Tree-Mendous Maryland supports community forestry through reduced-cost native trees and funding for eligible stewardship and maintenance activities. The Schoolyard Forests Program works with public schools to establish and steward forests and trees as part of the school landscape and learning environment. Marylanders Plant Trees helps residents establish native trees on residential property, while Gift of Trees provides a way to support community forestry through commemorative contributions.

The Maryland Forest Service also works with the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council, Forestry Boards, local governments, nonprofits, schools, and other partners involved in community forestry across the state.

Community Forestry Catalyst Fund

The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund (CF2) is the Maryland Forest Service’s statewide grant program for forestry work in communities. It supports projects that improve the management, stewardship, restoration, and long-term sustainability of forests and trees.

Applicants use one application rather than determining which individual funding source fits their project. The Forest Service makes that determination after review.

Tree-Mendous is one of the funding sources that may support eligible CF2 projects. Applicants seeking reduced-cost Tree-Mendous trees begin through the CF2 application and are directed to the information needed for their tree request. Public schools may also use the CF2 application when seeking funding that can support Schoolyard Forests work.

Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council advises the Department on urban and community forestry issues and provides a statewide forum for practitioners, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others working with forests and trees in Maryland communities.

The Council helps identify recurring issues, share technical knowledge, and inform statewide priorities and program development.

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