Tree Management
The Tree City, U.S.A. program was set up to encourage the planting and care of trees and shrubs throughout urban areas of the United States. The City of Laurel has been involved with this program for many years. Participation in Tree City, U.S.A. represents a strong community commitment to management of trees and other natural resources. The Tree City, U.S.A. program helps residents learn what they can do to make their community a better place in which to live.
Planting
Public works is committed to planting trees in the public right-of-way twice a year during the fall and spring season. Property owners may request to have trees planted in front of their homes by Public Works. The type of trees planted by Public Works are listed below. Trees are sorted into three categories: Green = Small, Yellow = Medium, and Red = Large. Not all trees are appropriate for the fronts of all properties. The City will attempt to accomodate the tree preferences of our residents to the best of our ability. To place a request for a street tree or if you have questions please email us at [email protected] or call us at 301-725-0088.
| TREE TYPE | BOTANICAL NAME | LEAF/FLOWER |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Lilac | Syringa Reticulata | White/Pink Flower |
| Kousa Dogwood | Cornus Kousa | White Flower |
| Red Horsechestnut | Aesculus x Carnea | Pink Flower |
| Oriental Cherry | Prunus Serrulata | Pink Flower |
| Eastern Redbud | Cercis Canadensis | Purple Flower |
| Magnolia Hybrid | Magnolida Lillifora x Sprengeri | Pink Flower |
| Amur Maple | Acer Ginnala | Red Leaf |
| Sargent Cherry | Prunus Sargentii | Pink Flower |
| Japanese Zelcova | Zelcova Serrata | Green Leaf |
| Northern Red Oak | Quercus Rubra | Red Leaf |
| London Plane | Plantus x Acerifolia | Green Leaf |
| Tulip Poplar | Liriodendron Tulipifera | Yellow Flower |
| Kwanzan Cherry | n/a | Pink Flower |
| Little Leaf Linden | Tilita Cordata | Green Leaf |
Special Programs
The City is willing to participate with homeowners, developers and associations in special cooperative tree planting programs. With enough interest, trees may be obtained for such projects at especially low prices. Please call us for more information.
Maintenance
You must keep all privately owned hedges, shrubs and trees trimmed to prevent the blocking of any sidewalk. Residents are not allowed to prune City-owned street trees and should call Public Works if they are concerned about over-growth from a street tree. Also, if you live on a corner, please try to avoid causing traffic visibility problems in selecting planting locations and by keeping hedges and shrubs properly trimmed.
3 Simple Guidelines:
- Tree limbs should be pruned 7 feet above the sidewalk.
- Tree limb's, shrubs and bushes should be kept back at least one foot behind either the sidewalk or curb if no sidewalk is present.
- Tree limb's and shurb's should not obstruct any traffic control devices like signs or signals, street lights or the view of traffic at any intersection.
Related Links
- The Arbor Day Foundation: https://www.arborday.org/
- Marylanders Plant Trees: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/MarylandersPlantTrees/Introduction.aspx
- Laurel Landscape Manual: https://files.cityoflaurel.org/system/files/files/cityoflaurellandscapemanual.pdf
Removal
The City hires contractors to remove diseased trees, dead trees, and low hanging hazardous limbs in the City right-of-way. Such work is subject to State Permit requirements. Please call us to report any dangerous trees. Property owners are responsible for tree maintenance and removal of trees on their property. Please call Public Works if you need assistance or information.
Questions or Comments
If you need any additional information or have any questions or comments, please call us at 301-725-0088 or you may e-mail us at [email protected].
