Landscaping Rules in Severna Park, MD: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Severna Park or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Severna Park has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Water Restrictions

Anne Arundel County follows Maryland statewide water conservation guidelines. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act is especially relevant to Severna Park due to proximity to the Severn River and Magothy River. A 100-foot buffer from tidal wetlands is required with native plantings.

Key details: Critical Area Buffer: 100 feet from mean high tide. Severn/Magothy Rivers: Critical Area applies to nearby properties. Impervious Surfaces: 15–31% limit in Critical Area. Native Plants: Required for buffer replanting.

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from tidal waters), all tree removal in Severna Park requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan regardless of tree size. This includes dead trees and invasive species. Replacement with native plants is mandatory. Penalties include civil and 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 possible.

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

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

Grass Height Limits

Anne Arundel County Code Article 13, Title 6 prohibits grass or weeds 12 inches or higher. The Weeded Lot program runs mid-April to mid-October. Non-compliant properties are cut by county contractors at the owner's expense, with unpaid invoices resulting 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 Trimming

Contracted tree work in Anne Arundel County must be performed by a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Many Severna Park properties near the Severn River and Magothy River fall within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, requiring a Vegetation Management Plan for any tree or vegetation removal.

Key details: Licensed Tree Expert: Required for contracted work. Critical Area: VMP required near Severn/Magothy Rivers. 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.

Weed Ordinances

Severna Park 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.

The Bottom Line

Severna Park'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 Severna Park is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Severna Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.