WHEATON, Md. – This fall, Montgomery Parks is launching a program to remove 461 non-native trees from parks and replace them with more ecologically sustainable species.
The trees designated for removal are non-native, invasive species that threaten the ecological health and biodiversity of natural areas. The tree removal and replacement will take place over the next five years and is designed to protect biodiversity and support the health of natural areas.
“Many of these trees are attractive and were planted intentionally in Montgomery County and across the country,” said Andy Driscoll, Montgomery Park’s plant health horticulturist. “However, their unchecked spread disrupts ecosystems by outcompeting native species that provide food and habitat for local wildlife including insects, birds, and small mammals.”
Species being removed are:
- Tree of Heaven – A fast-growing tree that aggressively outcompetes native vegetation and can damage infrastructure with its extensive root system. It is also the preferred host of another invasive species – the spotted lanternfly.
- Norway maple – A towering tree that produces abundant wind-dispersed seeds that lead to dense canopies that block sunlight and hinder the growth of other plants.
- Bradford pear – Initially planted as an ornamental, this species cross-pollinated with other pear varieties and began producing fertile seeds that are spread widely by birds and wildlife, resulting in dense thickets that displace native species.
- Golden rain tree – Known for its ability to produce many seeds that are easily spread by wind and water. It can form thickets that crowd out native plants in natural areas. It is listed as invasive on the National Park Service’s Mid-Atlantic list.
- Amur cork tree – Growing up to 50 feet tall, with a crown nearly as wide, this species can suppress growth of native mature canopy trees such as oaks and hickories.
Trees have already been removed this year at Ridge Road Recreational Park, Waring Station Local Park, Kings Local Park and Damascus Recreational Park. Replacements will be planted this fall. New locations will be added in coming years as the program progresses.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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