Not everybody knows it, but fall is a great time to plant a tree. Every tree is an investment in healthier, cooler, and more resilient communities for years to come.
The ideal window runs from about six weeks before the ground freezes through early-to-mid autumn, giving roots time to establish while the soil is still warm even as air temperatures cool. To plant, dig a hole only as deep as the root ball but two to three times as wide, gently loosen any circling roots, set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade, backfill with the original soil, water deeply right away, and add a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch. Water consistently through the fall, tapering off after the first hard frost, helps the tree build a strong root system before winter dormancy and spring growth.
Local work is connected to a much bigger conversation. Last month, I joined leaders from government, business, energy, and the climate community in New York City at Climate Week NYC, where we focused on Energy. Impact. Action. But climate action ultimately comes home to our communities. And through Maryland’s 5 Million Trees Initiative, we have already planted more than 1.5 million trees toward our goal of planting 5 million by 2031. Thanks to an incredible effort, tree plantings doubled in the past year alone, showing that people are motivated to make this vision a reality.
And trees do more than provide shade. They help reduce heat, improve air quality, and create healthier neighborhoods. That means every planting season is an opportunity to make a difference today while investing in the Maryland we want to see decades from now.
One thing Climate Week reminded me of is that ambition matters, but action is where change begins. Here in Maryland, that action can look like a shovel in the ground and a tree taking root. So this fall, I encourage you to find a way to be part of the work by planting a tree or supporting a local planting effort to make communities healthier and more resilient. Because climate action is what happens, we build together.
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