Baltimore has 2.8 million trees.

Trees in a park

If we lost all our trees, it would cost us $3.4 BILLION to replace them. This does not take into account the services our trees provide, such as cleaning our air and water, improving our health, and increasing our property values. 

Mailing Address
2600 Madison Ave. Baltimore, Md. 21217

Phone: 410-396-6109

Current value of services provided by Baltimore’s trees:

  • $3.3 million a year in energy savings by shading buildings from the summer sun and blocking winter winds.
  • $10.7 million a year storing 527 tons of carbon. Carbon is a harmful gas that contributes greatly to the greenhouse effect.
  • $3.8 million a year by removing 700 metric tons of air pollution (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide etc.);
  • $1.6 million a year by removing 244 metric tons of ozone. Ground-level ozone is the main ingredient in smog and a leading contributing factor of asthma.

Over the life of a single tree, it is not unreasonable to conclude that $57,000 in economic and environmental benefits are provided.

A worker is shown pruning a tree high in the air.

Sam Seo
City Arborist
410-396-6109
Vacant
Greening Coordinator 
Phone: 410-458-7888 
Fax: 410-396-6645 
 

Trees in the parks, on the sidewalks, and in the medians are all cared for by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks’ Forestry Division. With over 125,000 street trees and a large inventory of park trees, the Forestry Division always has a busy day. Like any living and growing thing, trees require water, air, sunlight, and a little TLC.

Forestry prunes and removes trees to ensure public safety and clears roadways after major storms. Through our TreeBaltimore program, we partner with organizations and volunteers to plant over 8,000 new trees every year. Our work is a strong component of the mayor’s initiative to attract 10,000 new families to Baltimore and to provide a greener, sustainable environment for all our residents.

Part of a tree’s natural growth often causes branches to die or to grow in directions that get in the way of an urban environment. Branches have to be pruned, and others have to be cared for through cables and braces. Trimming crews try to concentrate on one section of the city at a time, minimizing wasted travel and set-up time.

Have a problem? Call “311”

Citizens should never try to deal with a public tree problem on their own—even if it’s in front of their home! They should call 311 and report the problem. Trees on private property, however, are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Tree species of Baltimore

Many different tree species grow throughout Baltimore, including maple, oak, dogwood, and Linden trees. You must choose the right tree and location to get the most from your tree.

Frequently asked questions

Forestry-related topics come in almost as many forms as trees. That's why BCRP Forestry provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers. These questions come from citizens like you. We hope that you find them helpful and informative.

Please let us know if you encounter any problems or have suggestions.  Feel free to email us your comments or questions. 

Granite Pipeline Project

 

DOWNLOADS