(April 19, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is planting nearly 28,000 trees on 110 acres of land at various locations in Baltimore and Harford counties during the spring and fall 2012 planting seasons.  Weather permitting; the $1.4 million investment in new trees will be complete by the end of spring 2013.

“This is an important part to our environmental initiatives, which also includes meadow establishment, wetland creation and mowing reduction,” said Melinda B. Peters, SHA Administrator.  “As we continue to move in a greener direction, our customers can expect to see more of these types of plantings.”

SHA is planting trees and shrubs in existing right-of-way, primarily within interchanges along I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) and I-83 (Baltimore Harrisburg Expressway).   Following the plantings, SHA’s contractor, Ed’s Plant World of Brandywine will monitor the newly planted trees and shrubs to ensure they survive the one-year establishment period.  Should some trees not survive the summer months, they will be replaced at no charge to SHA. 

Forests provide vital services to the environment including nutrient reduction, runoff reduction, stream bank stabilization, wildlife habitat creation, water cooling effects and carbon absorption.  Trees also aid in erosion and flood control, as well as water and air filtration.

Each tree plays a significant role in helping to contain storm water runoff that eventually leads directly into the Chesapeake Bay.  Storm water runoff is the remainder of rainfall that flows over hard surfaces such as roads and driveways.  These surfaces prevent water from being soaked into the ground and create fast moving water that could lead to erosion and loss of native wildlife habitat from flooding. 

Storm water runoff also carries several pollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. These pollutants come from a variety of sources, including lawn fertilization, vehicles and construction sites.

SHA is planting trees at other locations through the State..  The bay has more than 3,100 miles of shoreline and is home to many diverse plant and animal species.  Recent efforts to encourage bay grasses, as well as the oyster population are all key to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Maryland’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative was created to strengthen the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspiring action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Those who have questions about tree plantings throughout the State may call SHA’s Office of Environmental Design toll-free at 1-800-446-5962. 

###​