Forestry and Tree Planting in Maryland

After nearly four centuries of harvesting and clearing for agricultural and urban expansion, Maryland has 2.5 million ac (1.0 million ha) of forest covering approximately 43 percent of the total land area; most of these forests are considered “timber land.” The physiography of Maryland combines features from both northern and southern latitudes, resulting in a diversity of forest compositions. Most of Maryland’s forests are hardwood types; 11 percent of the State’s forests are pine. The most common species found in Maryland is red maple, and its dramatic rise in frequency is directly attributable to the absence of fire in the landscape. Uneven-aged silviculture is most prevalent, although even-aged management is commonly practiced in pine-producing areas. State nursery operations formally began in 1914, and, today, the nursery produces more than 3 million bareroot seedlings annually, representing 40 to 50 species. Numerous State and Federal programs support tree planting by offering technical and financial assistance. Land parcel sizes are trending smaller, which will challenge the ability to perform needed silviculture activities on greater portions of the landscape in the future.

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Author(s): Daniel Rider

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 58, Number 2 (2015)

Volume: 58

Number: 2