Wyngate Tree Friends

Save Our Shade

A neighborhood volunteer group working with Montgomery County to restore and protect Wyngate's tree canopy — one street tree at a time.

Get a Free Tree
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Who We Are

Neighbors Growing a Greener Wyngate

Wyngate Tree Friends is a volunteer group partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to plant free street trees throughout our neighborhood.

A healthy tree canopy provides shade and cooler temperatures, cleaner air, natural stormwater management, and habitat for birds. Wyngate is in a zip code with a very high rate of tree loss — in 2022 alone, 20817 lost 3,155 mature trees, with only 482 planted as replacements.

We're working to reverse that trend.

50+
Trees Planted
2+
Years Active
Free
To Residents
From the Listserv

Neighborhood Updates

December 3, 2025
Happy December from Wyngate Tree Friends 🌲

Late fall and winter are a good time to prune many deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in autumn). Pruning now, when trees are dormant, encourages new growth in spring and minimizes stress from insects and disease.

Pruning notes:
• Blossoming trees (dogwoods, serviceberry, redbuds) — prune in spring, immediately after flowering.
• Conifers — timing depends on species; many need no pruning at all.
• Newly planted trees — do not prune except to remove broken or damaged branches.

It is best to hire a licensed tree expert or certified arborist. If you think a county strip tree needs trimming, call 3-1-1 or submit a request online. Happy holidays from Wyngate Tree Friends!

October 3, 2025
Happy October — Planting Season Has Begun!

Welcome to October, and the start of planting new trees in our neighborhood! The planting season extends through March 2026. We receive a lot of questions about watering — here are some tips.

Watering Guide for New Trees
• A newly planted tree needs 15–25 gallons per week (about 1–1½ inches of rain).
• Soak roots with a garden hose for 5–10 minutes a few times a week. Direct water to the base, not the leaves.
• Water new trees for the first 3 years (April 1 – October 31, or until the ground freezes).
• Best time to water: early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

Questions? Contact us at wyngatetreefriends@gmail.com.

March 30, 2025
Want a Free Street Tree? We Can Help!

Once again, Wyngate Tree Friends is working with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to plant free street trees in the county right-of-way for interested residents. Last year we added over 50 trees to neighborhood streets.

A county arborist will evaluate each location. Small species go where there are power lines; larger shade trees where there are none. You'll have a choice from the approved list, subject to availability.

Reply to wyngatetreefriends@gmail.com to request a tree or ask questions. If your street needs more trees, let us know!

September 1, 2024
Happy September — and Don't Forget to Water!

It's still been pretty dry, and trees — especially young trees — still need 25 gallons of water per week. Please give young trees a chance by watering them.

Mulching tip: Mulch keeps water in the soil by slowing evaporation. Keep mulch three inches deep, but leave a three-inch gap right around the trunk. Avoid "mulch volcanoes" — piling mulch against the trunk is bad for the tree.

Wyngate is receiving 50 new street trees from MCDOT. Planting begins in October and runs through next April.

June 13, 2024
Happy June — 50 New Trees Are Coming to Wyngate!

We're thrilled to announce that our neighborhood will be receiving 50 new street trees from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Arborists will survey locations in the coming weeks and paint a pink mark on the curb where a tree will be planted. Planting takes place between October 2024 and March 2025.

If you want a free street tree, contact wyngatetreefriends@gmail.com.

Take Action

Get a Free Street Tree

Montgomery County will plant a free tree in the county right-of-way in front of your home. Wyngate Tree Friends coordinates the requests and works with county arborists to find the right tree for each location. Reach out and we'll walk you through the process.

Email Us to Request a Tree