Prince George’s County, Maryland Advances Environmental Justice Through Urban Tree Planting Program, Installing More Than 2,000 Additional Native Trees

By Prince George’s County Department of the Environment | The Washington Informer

Prince George’s County is planting an additional 2,147 native trees and more than 3,000 native perennials, shrubs, and smaller trees through the end of May as part of its Urban Tree Planting Program, a major investment in environmental justice, climate resilience, and community beautification.

Plantings are underway within public rights-of-way and community spaces in the City of District Heights, the Town of Capitol Heights, the Town of Bladensburg, and additional homeowners association and church properties that will be announced in the coming weeks. Trees have been delivered, ground preparation is in progress, and understory plantings will follow installation, weather permitting.

The initiative is supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust Urban Tree Grant Program, a state-funded grant administered through the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Department of Natural Resources along with matching funds included in the Department of the Environment’s budget appropriation.

“This investment reflects our commitment to environmental justice and climate resilience,” said County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “For decades, some of our communities have experienced the impacts of historic inequities — including lower tree canopy coverage, higher heat exposure, and greater flood risk. Planting more than 2,100 street-sized native trees is about restoring balance, improving public health, and ensuring every neighborhood benefits from a greener future.”

The Prince George’s County Urban Tree Planting Program supports Maryland’s Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021, which calls for the planting of five million native trees statewide by 2031 as part of Maryland’s broader strategy to address the ongoing impacts of climate change. In Prince George’s County, planting locations are determined using the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s equity-based mapping requirements, alignment with MDEnviroScreen data, and the Department of the Environment’s Tree Equity Mapping Tool. These tools help identify communities with low existing tree canopy, high concentrations of impervious surfaces, and increased vulnerability to urban heat island impacts and stormwater runoff.

“This program is a powerful example of climate action in practice,” said Dr. Sam Moki, Director of the Department of the Environment. “By prioritizing historically underserved communities, we are addressing long-standing inequities while building long-term resilience. Trees function as natural infrastructure — reducing heat, absorbing stormwater, improving air quality, and strengthening neighborhood well-being.”

In addition to expanding canopy coverage, the inclusion of more than 3,000 native understory plantings will enhance biodiversity, support soil health, and improve the long-term sustainability of these sites. County staff and project consultants are documenting the installation process, including before-and-after photography, and will coordinate with participating municipalities and community leaders to highlight local perspectives as plantings are completed.

The Prince George’s County Urban Tree Planting Program as supported by DoE, reflects our County’s continued commitment to advancing environmental equity, strengthening climate resilience, and investing in healthier, more vibrant communities.

For more information about Prince George’s County’s environmental programs, visit environment.mypgc.us.