Walk across the University of Maryland’s campus and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a living collection, a carefully curated canopy that changes with the seasons but always reflects a steady hand of care. Facilities Management’s Arboretum and Landscape Services team manages this landscape with one eye on beauty and the other on sustainability, ensuring every tree planted or replaced supports both the environment and the university’s mission.
Rooted in Native Plants
Native plants form the backbone of UMD’s landscape. They do more than look beautiful; they’re vital for supporting insects, birds, and other wildlife that depend on them to survive.
“Native plants have coevolved with other elements of the ecosystem, including insects, fungi, bacteria, and mammals,” explains Karen Petroff, Director of Landscape and Special Services. “In some cases, certain organisms rely on specific species to complete their life cycle.”
That philosophy guides the team’s approach to every planting. Petroff and her staff prioritize native and non-invasive species that can thrive in Maryland’s evolving climate. Choosing the right trees for an urban campus isn’t as simple as picking what looks good. It means understanding how each species adapts, what kind of support it needs, and how it fits into the broader ecosystem.
Fruit Trees and Campus Traditions
Fruit trees have deep roots at the university. Orchards were among the earliest plantings at the Maryland Agricultural College, used for both food and instruction. That legacy continues today in creative new ways.
“As warmer winters have permitted figs to thrive without winter dieback, this tasty, non-invasive exotic plant has been intentionally planted in several areas,” Petroff explains. “We’ve even had requests for more.”
A small orchard near the Community Learning Garden now features plums, disease-resistant apples, and cherries, replacing older ornamental crabapples and offering something both practical and beautiful. These orchard updates are just one small example of a larger effort to keep Maryland’s landscape thriving for the long term.
Planting for the Future: A Living Legacy
Caring for trees is continuous work. Every year, Facilities Management replaces trees lost to age, disease, or construction, keeping the campus canopy healthy and balanced. Beyond that, the university’s Climate Action Plan calls for one hundred additional trees to be planted annually — an investment in the future and in the generations who will walk beneath their shade.
Each new tree has a purpose. Some honor people or milestones, others expand the teaching collection, and all contribute to a stronger, more resilient landscape.
“Every planting is intentionally planned,” says Karen Petroff, Assistant Director of Arboretum and Horticultural Services. “But because plants can live for centuries, the landscape may change around them and make that original intention less apparent.”
It’s that long view — blending planning, science, and care — that ensures the university’s tree canopy continues to evolve with grace. Through careful management and ecological awareness, Facilities Management is shaping a campus that’s not only beautiful today but sustainable for generations to come.