YardCareDirectory

Maryland Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

No statewide permit, but Maryland counties and Baltimore City have among the most detailed tree regulations on the East Coast.

Issuing authority: County environmental or planning department
Permit Fee
$50–$300 depending on county
Processing Time
10–21 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in MD
White OakAmerican BeechTulip PoplarChestnut Oak
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Maryland jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead or diseased trees with arborist certification
  • +Imminent hazard
  • +Trees under 4 inches DBH

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Montgomery County and Prince George's County have extensive champion tree registries. Baltimore City has a heritage tree program.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Fines from $500 to $10,000 per tree in regulated jurisdictions. Mitigation planting of 2:1 to 4:1 commonly required.

Rules by City in Maryland

Baltimore

Trees over 4 inches DBH require permits. Heritage trees require special approval.

Fee: $75–$300 per treeBaltimore Forestry Division enforces strictly in Chesapeake Bay buffer zones.
Bethesda (Montgomery County)

Forest Conservation Act applies to projects disturbing over 40,000 sq ft. Individual trees over 24 inches DBH require permits.

Fee: $100–$500Montgomery County has one of the most rigorous programs in the mid-Atlantic.
Silver Spring (Montgomery County)

Same Montgomery County rules apply. Street trees are county property.

Fee: $100 application feeReplacement mitigation fund accepts payments in lieu of planting.
Tips for Maryland Homeowners
  1. Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Critical Area rules impose a 100-foot buffer from tidal waters where tree removal is heavily restricted.
  2. Montgomery County requires a Forest Stand Delineation for most development projects — engage early.
  3. ISA certified arborist reports speed up permit approvals significantly in Maryland counties.
HOA Consideration: Many Maryland planned communities in Montgomery and Howard counties have protective covenant restrictions that exceed county ordinance requirements.
Find tree services in Maryland that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Maryland