Maryland’s 5 Million Trees program has surpassed 1.5 million native trees planted statewide, advancing toward the goal of 5 million by 2031 set under the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021.
More than 555,330 trees went into the ground during Fiscal Year 2025, as detailed in the latest annual report submitted to the Maryland General Assembly. Non-state plantings by private landowners, companies, municipalities, and communities increased more than fivefold, rising from 8,365 in Fiscal Year 2024 to 43,169 in Fiscal Year 2025. Officials attribute part of this growth to expanded advertising encouraging residents to report plantings through the state’s online tracking tool.
“We have been encouraging Marylanders to ‘Plant a Tree, Make it Count, and Breathe Easier,’” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “Every tree makes our state healthier and more resilient, and this milestone underscores our shared commitment to a stronger environment for generations to come.”
Trees contribute to climate efforts by sequestering carbon, mitigating urban heat, filtering stormwater to protect waterways like the Chesapeake Bay, and enhancing air quality. The program operates as a collaboration among the Maryland departments of the environment, natural resources, transportation, and agriculture, alongside the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various nonprofits.
“Trees strengthen our communities and provide cleaner water, cooler temperatures, and healthier ecosystems,” said Secretary Josh Kurtz of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “Planting 5 million trees is an ambitious goal, and we’re well on our way to achieving it. The hard work of the Maryland Forest Service, our many partners, and Maryland citizens makes that possible, and we’re excited to get even more trees in the ground next year.”
Key achievements in Fiscal Year 2025 include over 366,000 trees planted by the Department of Natural Resources via the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Salisbury and the Tree-Mendous Maryland program, which supports community efforts on public lands.
Community planting events occurred across Maryland, with sites in Southern Maryland areas such as Waterford Lake Park in Anne Arundel County and Thomas Stone High School in Charles County. Other locations included Carroll Park and Druid Hill Park in Baltimore City and Salisbury Branch in Wicomico County. The program’s largest single effort to date took place at Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area in Queen Anne’s County, where approximately 200,000 trees were planted.
“Planting trees is a way for Marylanders to take meaningful action for their communities,” said Dr. Jana Davis, President of Chesapeake Bay Trust. “We’re proud to administer the Urban Trees component of the Five Million Trees Initiative, empowering more people to green their neighborhoods.”
The Chesapeake Bay Trust manages grants for urban plantings, targeting 500,000 trees in underserved areas to address equity in tree canopy distribution. These efforts focus on native species suited to local conditions, promoting long-term survival and ecological benefits.
The initiative traces its roots to the 2021 Tree Solutions Now Act, which mandated planting 5 million trees on public and private lands. Progress tracking occurs through an online dashboard maintained by the Department of the Environment, where individuals and groups register plantings to ensure they count toward the total.
Residents can participate by planting at home, attending local events, or registering existing trees. The Department of Natural Resources provides a $25 coupon for native tree purchases at participating nurseries and garden centers through the Marylanders Plant Trees program. Donations via the Gift of Trees initiative also support professional plantings.
For site-specific assistance, contact Isaac Whitmore, the program’s coordinator at the Department of Natural Resources, at isaac.whitmore@maryland.gov.
This milestone builds on earlier progress, including reaching 1 million trees by late 2024. With accelerating rates, particularly in non-state contributions, the program aligns with broader state goals to reduce greenhouse gases and enhance resilience.
State officials continue outreach to boost participation, emphasizing that registered plantings—whether large-scale restorations or backyard additions—directly advance the 2031 target.