Tree Trooper Program: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Training?

Our training is designed to accommodate your schedule with an asynchronous format, allowing you to engage at your own convenience. To learn more about this flexible learning style, simply fill out our interest form, and we'll provide you with all the details you need.

Where can I plant Trees?

Tree Troopers plan projects at all sorts of sites! From your neighborhood, to your faith community, school, or even your local library, project sites take many forms! Projects can include one site, or be spread out across multiple properties.

What is the cost to have trees planted?

WSA requests that the property owner contribute to the cost of the program through a tree copay. For most sites, a copay of $25 per tree is required. This copay also includes a bag of mulch, wooden staking, and deer protection for each tree. If the trees are being planted by a contractor, a copay of $45 per tree is required. Large orders may be eligible for discounted rates. WSA Staff, or your community’s Tree Trooper, will provide your community with the exact cost of an installation prior to finalizing your tree application.

Properties in priority areas may qualify for free trees. To check if your community qualifies for free or subsidized trees, please see Maryland DNR’s Underserved Areas Map or contact WSA Staff at replant@aawsa.org.

When will the trees be planted?

We are now planning projects for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026. Trees are typically planted from about September-November and March-May.

What Kinds Of Trees Are planted?

The Tree Trooper Program plants diverse stands of trees and shrubs native to the Chesapeake Bay region that will thrive in a changing environment. These resilient species are likely to withstand new pests and diseases and increasing rainfall and temperatures. These resilient trees will be approximately 4-6 feet tall upon installation and are typically in 5-7 gallon containers. Learn more here.

Who will plant the trees?

Ideally, Tree Troopers, property owners, and/or volunteer groups will plant the trees. In some cases, Tree Troopers and WSA will work with pre-qualified tree contractors for installation. Communities may opt for contractor installation for an additional fee ($45 per tree).

How many trees can I get?

Tree Troopers will be trained to determine the type and quantity of trees for their unique community site(s). Most sites will receive a minimum of 15 trees to be planted in a localized area. For example, a community may choose to install 10 trees on community property and 5 trees on adjacent private residential parcels.

If you/your community are interested in less than 10 trees, we would encourage you to look into our other RePlant initiatives. However, WSA does have some flexibility with the 15 tree minimum for Tree Trooper projects. If you are interested in a smaller project, please email WSA staff at replant@aawsa.org to inquire.

Who will maintain the trees after they are planted?

Tree Troopers and the property owners should discuss a plan for maintenance before any trees are planted. The property owner will be responsible for maintaining their new trees and are given a Maintenance Plan to reference in the first three years of the trees life. The Tree Trooper will stay in contact with the property owner to be available for questions, and to check on the status of the tree.

What if my community doesn’t have a tree trooper?

Ideally, your community will have a Tree Trooper local to the neighborhood to support project planning, installation, and maintenance. To ensure easy access to the trees, it is recommended that at least one person from your community applies to become trained as a Tree Trooper. We have provided the training as a free, online course to make it more accessible to all communities.

If that isn’t possible, your community can still apply for trees. WSA staff or available Tree Troopers can assist your project planning. Please complete our RePlant Interest Form here to express your interest in receiving trees.

WHAT IF I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR TRAINING?

If you are not comfortable with online platforms, we will do our best to walk you through the use of the online tools beforehand. Please contact Faith Waaramaa, faith@aawsa.org, with any questions or concerns regarding access to the training. We are here to work with you in any way we can to guide you through this process!

What kind of person makes a good tree trooper?

Residents of Anne Arundel County or the City of Annapolis who are motivated and excited about trees should apply to become a Tree Trooper! Tree Troopers do not need to be physically able to plant trees, but they must be able to coordinate project planning. No experience is necessary, just an interest in learning and making a difference, one tree at a time!

Can I attend volunteer plantings if I’m not a tree trooper?

Absolutely! We will need volunteers across the County to help plant trees. To let us know you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this short Google form. You can also sign up for WSA’s monthly newsletter here to stay informed of upcoming events and programs.