(April 24, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is planting more than 20,500 trees on 82 acres of State property in Washington County.  The $1.1 million project started earlier this month and will be complete by October, weather permitting. 

“The tree plantings along I-70 provide several benefits to SHA and the environment.  The new trees reduce the mowing requirements allowing SHA to focus mowing funds to other roadway maintenance needs,” said Anthony Crawford, SHA District Engineer.  “Native vegetation provides a natural water filter to reduce pollutants re-entering our streams and ultimately into the Bay.”

Crews are planting the trees along the median of I-70 between Hancock and Hagerstown.  SHA’s contractor, Poole Landscaping of Frederick, will monitor the newly planted trees and shrubs to ensure that they survive a one-year establishment period.  Should some trees not survive, they will be replaced at no charge to SHA. 

Each tree plays a significant role in helping to contain storm water runoff that eventually leads directly into the Potomac River and subsequently the Chesapeake Bay.  Storm water runoff is the remainder of rainfall that flows over hard surfaces such as roads, driveways and building roofs.  These surfaces prevent runoff from being soaked into the ground and create fast moving water that could lead to erosion and loss of native wildlife habitat. 

Storm water runoff also carries several pollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. These pollutants come from a variety of sources, including lawn fertilization, vehicles and construction sites. 

SHA’s project is part of Maryland’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative.  Created by Governor  Martin O’Malley in 2008, the program strengthens the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspiring action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Customers who have questions about tree plantings throughout the State may call SHA’s Office of Environmental Design at 1-800-446-5962. 

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