Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County's Department of Environmental Protection Celebrate 10 Years of Tree Montgomery: 18,400 Shade Trees Planted and Counting

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 28, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to mark the 10th anniversary of the Tree Montgomery program with a celebration on Friday, April 25, Arbor Day, at the Round Hill Apartments in Chevy Chase—the site where the program planted its first trees a decade ago. Since its launch in 2015, Tree Montgomery has planted 18,400 shade trees across the County, enriching communities, improving air quality and reducing urban heat—all while maintaining an impressive 93% tree survival rate. With an investment of $8.3 million over the past ten years, the program has become a model of sustainable, community-driven environmental stewardship.

“Tree Montgomery started with a simple idea to plant more trees around the County, and it’s turned into one of our most successful environmental programs,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These trees cool down our streets, clean the air we breathe and help manage stormwater as well as beautify our neighborhoods. Over half of the trees planted are located at single-family homes and in underserved school communities, which shows how we’ve used this program to invest equitably across the County. I appreciate all our employees, volunteers and residents who have made Tree Montgomery a resounding success over the last ten years.”

"These trees represent much more than shade—they represent our commitment to a healthier, greener and more equitable Montgomery County,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “Planting trees might sound simple, but the positive impact on our climate, stormwater management, public health and neighborhood beautification is profound. Montgomery County benefits tremendously from the work of our Department of Environmental Protection in many ways, including Tree Montgomery.” 

Tree Montgomery by the Numbers:

• 18,400 trees planted
• $8.3 million invested
• 36 native species planted
• 93% survival rate

Where We Planted:

• 56% of trees planted at single-family homes
• 19% with homeowners’ associations
• 53 schools, including 36 public schools in underserved areas

The April 25 anniversary event featured remarks from County leadership, a ceremonial tree planting and recognition of community partners and residents who have supported the program’s success. County Executive Elrich presented an Arbor Day proclamation to commemorate Arbor Day and Maryland Delegate Jared Solomon presented a State citation honoring Tree Montgomery’s 10th anniversary.   

Visit Tree Montgomery for information on how to request a free shade tree.

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Release ID: 25-178
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Environment