Is It Time For You To Plant A New Tree?

The members of the RFC, Inc. Greening Committee would like to assist you in the event you would care to consider planting a new tree on your property. Part of what makes Rodgers Forge so attractive is the greenery all around us. The Greening Committee keeps some of our common areas in good shape with clean-up work, improvements and planting. They also promote the proper seasonal planting of trees. To that end, we interviewed Fran Lawrance of Dunkirk Road, chairperson of the committee, and asked her to fill us in.
Fran Lawrance You may have seen Fran and a colleague at the recent Rodgers Forge community picnic where she was handing out brochures about trees and discussing the particulars with people who stopped by to chat.

Why are trees important to us?
Trees provide shade from the heat, help to conserve energy by reducing the need for air-conditioning in the summer, enhance our air and water quality, serve as windbreaks, support bird life and, of course, give us much pleasure in terms of beauty.

What kinds of trees will thrive in Rodgers Forge?
Many types of trees thrive in the Forge, just look around! Maple, oak, sycamore, dogwood, linden, magnolia, redbud, crape myrtle, cherry, holly, spruce, hemlock and others! For trees to thrive they need to be in the right climate and planted in the right place! Two websites provide a lot of information about selecting and planting trees that will do well when planted in our area: The Growing Home Campaign website (www.growinghome.info) and www.trees.maryland.gov .

Do you recommend one kind of tree that you consider better than the others in terms of beauty and utility?
Not really. The bigger trees such as maples, sycamores, oaks, and lindens provide good shade over a broad area and their foliage can be beautiful in the fall. On the other hand, the smaller flowering trees such as cherry, dogwood, and crabapple are gorgeous in the spring. Before planting a new tree, I like to consider the characteristics of the location and go through a check list. Are there wires overhead? Will the root structure cause the sidewalk to buckle? How much space is available for growth and what other trees or plants are nearby? We can then look for a tree that will be an asset for that space, in terms of both beauty and function.

How much do they cost and where can trees be purchased?
Cost partially depends on the age and size of the tree as well as the type and condition. Trees can be purchased from nurseries and garden centers as well as obtained through programs such as the Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) that provides free trees with membership. Coupons for discounts at local garden centers can be downloaded from the Growing Home Campaign website. As well, sometimes you can find advertised sales.

When is the best time to plant?
The early spring and early fall are the best times to plant.

Can I plant the tree myself?
Yes, you can plant small trees but if you do, consult the websites for their details about checking on utility lines, digging the right size hole, laying the roots down properly, planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching. There’s no point in buying an expensive healthy tree, only to have it fail. Larger trees are probably best planted by the professionals and it is often worth the extra cost.

What if I need an old tree removed or some branches that are overlapping the roadway or dead branches cut off?
It’s a good idea to pay close attention to the condition of trees on your property. This includes maintaining the living trees, i.e. trimming for health, beauty, and safety, treating diseases, removing broken and dead branches. Dead branches that overhang houses, cars, and roadways are a safety hazard and have caused damage when they fall in high winds.

Unless the tree is within the County right-of-way, the homeowner needs to take responsibility. If the tree is small, the homeowner can do the work but if the tree is large or diseased, a professional will have the expertise and the equipment to address the problem. There are many good tree companies that frequently work in our area and are familiar with the Forge. If several trees on your street need work, a group of neighbors might consider getting estimates together and perhaps asking for a group rate!

If the tree is within the County right-of-way, there is a possibility that the County will complete the work. Under certain circumstance, the County will remove dead wood, trim, elevate limbs, cut down and remove dead trees, and grind stumps. They are primarily interested in safety issues so they do not treat trees for disease or trim for beauty or health.
Please note, in Rodgers Forge the County right-of-way varies from street to street and sometimes by block. If you have a question about a tree, do take the time to call the County Bureau of Highway’s at 410-887-3560.

Is a county permit of any kind needed?
County permits are needed only for work done on trees within the County right-of-way. There is no charge for the work but there is a work order application charge of $25.

Does the county have any kind of tree giveaway program?
To my knowledge, Baltimore County does not have a program to give away trees. As a part of the Growing Home Campaign, coupons, which can be used at local participating garden centers, can be downloaded or obtained from county libraries. The garden centers are listed. Also the State of Maryland is offering $25 discount coupons for the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more; those coupons and planting tips, are available at www.trees.maryland.gov .