Blue Water Baltimore Tree Planting Program

Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) plants trees on residential properties across Baltimore County through our cost-share yard tree program. Our Ruxton, Riderwood, and Lake Roland community is part of this program.

Residents pay a small fee for a tree, depending on the size.  Tree options can be found in the Look Book link below.

Trees will be planted between October and November by BWB staff and volunteers (please feel free to join us). The fee includes tree installation, mulch, a mower guard, and stakes, if necessary. Homeowners will need to call Miss Utility prior to planting in September.

Volunteer to plant trees in our neighborhoods on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – please sign up at: BWB Volunteer Tree Planting

The BWB team works closely with local volunteer residents, called Neighborhood Tree Stewards, to promote the program to neighbors and to help you select appropriate species and sites. Your neighbor, and Association Board Member Patty Mochel, is the local Tree Steward for the Ruxton, Riderwood, and Lake Roland area.

While you may select your own tree(s), we strongly encourage all residents to reach out to Patty at treesteward@rrlraia.org before ordering to have them assist with species selection and placement. Remember, “Right tree, Right place” is key if you want to fully enjoy your new tree for decades to come!

We also encourage homeowners to select large canopy shade trees rather than smaller understory trees. Small trees should be reserved for locations with limited height or space, such as under power lines. Canopy shade trees are long-lived and provide many more benefits for you and future generations! Trees save money, cool down streets, reduce flooding, improve health, raise property values, and provide habitat for our native butterflies and other wildlife. And they are beautiful!

Yard trees are in 3-7 gallon pots with 3/4″ caliper trunks depending on their species. They can be planted anywhere on your private property: in your front, back, or side yard. Yard trees include any species on the list.

Check out this helpful video on how to install a root barrier.

Please review the Tree Availability Look Book to determine the best trees(s) for your yard. The Look Book contains pictures and a description of each species. The 2026 Order deadline has passed, the sales is held annually in September.

Trees will be planted between October and November by BWB staff and volunteers (please feel free to join us). The fee includes tree installation, mulch, a mower guard, and stakes if necessary. Reminder: Homeowners will need to call Miss Utility prior to planting in September.

The information from this page has been adapted with permission from https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/tree-orders/

Program funders include the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Baltimore County Environmental Protection & Sustainability.

For more information contact our local Tree Steward, Patty Mochel, at treesteward@rrlraia.org.