Urban Tree Program 

The MDOT Urban Tree Program is a stewardship community tree planting program that provides funding to support tree planting in communities that have lost trees as a result of the construction of transportation facilities. The program was created by statute (Transportation - §2–103.8) during the 2021 legislative session and developed as a grant program in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Maryland Forest Service. In 2026, DNR established the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund as a central location for the variety of funding opportunities DNR manages, including the MDOT Urban Tree Grant Program. Centralizing the funding programs into the CF2 will streamline the application process for eligible organizations, the review of applications and allow for strategic decisions that support the goal of expanding tree planting in the State of Maryland.

Applications are accepted year-round, with funding determinations made twice a year. Applications received by January 15, will be evaluated for spring planting season and applications received by July 15 will be evaluated for the fall planting season. Projects funded by the MDOT Urban Tree Grant Program support the Maryland Five Million Trees initiative and furthers MDOT's efforts to being the greenest department of transportation in the country.

To learn more about the program and apply for funding, see information and resources below.

• MDOT UTP Application
• DNR Forest Service
• 5 Million Trees for Maryland
• Community Forestry Catalyst Fund
• UTP FAQ

Fall 2027 Urban Tree Program Awardees

If you have any questions on the MDOT Urban Tree Program, please reach out to Nick Kurtz at [email protected].