Garrett Park, MD

What defines a Town tree
Every property in Garrett Park has a portion that belongs to the Town (rather than to the individual property owner) known as the “right of way.” The Town has jurisdiction over trees planted in the right of way and is responsible for their maintenance. The Town also manages the trees in public spaces such as Porcupine Woods.

Here are the right-of-way survey maps for every section of Garrett Park.  Check the appropriate map if you have a question about a particular tree being on Town or private property.

How to identify specific trees
All Town trees are tagged with round metal tags stamped with the tree’s ID number. Locate the tag for the tree in question and note the ID number.

Here is the online map showing all Town trees. You can find the trees close to your property by entering your street address into the search window. Enlarge the area with the + button. 

You’ll see numbers appear on the tree icons. Click on a number to view a pop-up window displaying the Latin name, common name, and trunk diameter size at breast height for that tree.

If you have a question about a Town tree
If you have a question about a Town tree, contact the Town Manager: barbara.matthews@garrettparkmd.gov.  The Town Manager will have the tree(s) in question assessed by the Town's Consulting Arborist and/or designated Tree Care Contractor and will let you know what course of action has been decided.

Approval for removal of trees in the Town right of way must be granted in writing from the Town Council.

The Comprehensive Arboretum Plan, Part I provides an overview of planting trees in Garrett Park—benefits, challenges, selection—and is worth reading if you plan to add more trees to your property.  This diagram represents some of the many environmental benefits provided by trees:

View the current Arboretum Database (January 2021)

Caseytrees.org
Casey Trees is a non-profit organization that plants trees in DC, advocates for trees and educates about trees.  There is lots of useful information on their website:

• Hardy trees for DC area

• Videos: how to plant, prune, water a tree

• How-to Guides:  How to select a tree, tree care, right tree, right place

• Weekly e-newsletter with tree tips

Native Trees
Trees native to our area provide many benefits to the local ecosystem.  

Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping—Chesapeake Bay Watershed, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Comprehensive listing of native plants including trees and shrubs, with pictures and information about preferred growing conditions and wildlife value.  

Landscaping with Native Plants
Small publication offered by the Maryland Native Plant Society that lists native plants for our area including shade trees, smaller trees and shrubs.

Tree Programs

Tree Montgomery
Tree Montgomery is a FREE program to plant shade trees across Montgomery County, Maryland.  Homeowners in Garrett Park are eligible.

Marylanders Plant Trees
This site provides tree selection and planting information and a $25 coupon towards trees costing $50 or more at participating nurseries. (4 in Montgomery County)

Help with your trees and other plants in your yard
Master Gardeners Plant Clinics are held throughout the county.  Trained volunteers answer questions and provide referrals to other county and state resources.