Being thoughtful about tree species selection and placement promotes safety, reduces damage to utilities and ensures beauty for years to come. We use a palette of city-approved trees, most of which are native to the Baltimore region and well adapted to urban growing conditions such as concentrated air & water pollution, compacted soils, extreme heat and vehicle and pedestrian traffic – to name just a few challenges!  Some common species include swamp white oak, sycamore,  honey locust, hackberry,  sweetgum, American elm and black tupelo. We focus on large canopy trees to reach our 40% goal, but occasionally plant smaller flowering trees in locations with limited growing space.