Glen Burnie's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Glen Burnie, Maryland, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Trimming

Contracted tree work in Anne Arundel County must be performed by a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from mean high tide), all tree and vegetation removal requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan. Trees must be marked with flagging before inspection.

Key details: Licensed Tree Expert: Required for contracted work. Critical Area: Vegetation Management Plan required. Tree Marking: Flagging, tape, or paint for inspection. County Forester: (410) 222-7441.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $500 to $10,000+ per tree. Forest Conservation Act violations: significant fines.

Grass Height Limits

Anne Arundel County Code Article 13, Title 6 prohibits grass or weeds 12 inches or higher on residential property. The Weeded Lot program runs mid-April to mid-October. Non-compliant properties are cut by county contractors and the owner is invoiced. Unpaid invoices may result in a tax lien.

Key details: Max Height: 12 inches for grass and weeds. Enforcement Season: Mid-April to mid-October. Non-Compliance: County cuts and invoices owner. Penalty: Tax lien for unpaid invoices.

Notice to abate. County abatement at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Administrative fees. Property lien.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, all tree removal regardless of size requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan from Anne Arundel County. This includes dead trees. Replacement planting with native species is required. Violations may result in civil or criminal prosecution.

Key details: Critical Area: VMP required for all tree removal. Any Size: All trees protected, no minimum diameter. Replanting: Native species required. Penalties: Civil and criminal prosecution.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Compared to other cities, Glen Burnie takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Weed Ordinances

Glen Burnie enforces weed abatement. MD Agriculture Art. §9-401 covers noxious weeds. County health departments handle residential complaints.

Key details: Authority: MD Ag. Art. §9-401. Enforcement: County health / code. Cost: Owner pays abatement. Growth Season: Spring-summer peak.

Notice to abate. County clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Water Restrictions

Anne Arundel County follows Maryland statewide water conservation guidelines. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act affects waterfront properties with a 100-foot buffer requirement. Drought restrictions may be imposed by the state MDE or local water utilities. Impervious surface limits apply in Critical Area zones.

Key details: Critical Area Buffer: 100 feet from mean high tide. State Authority: MDE may impose drought restrictions. Impervious Surfaces: 15–31% limit in Critical Area. Chesapeake Bay Act: Applies to waterfront properties.

Water waste: warning, then fines $50 to $250. Drought restriction violations: escalating fines.

The Bottom Line

Glen Burnie's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glen Burnie is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Glen Burnie can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.