Tree Ordinances: Rockville vs Takoma Park
How do tree ordinances rules compare between Rockville, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Rockville and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Montgomery County has a comprehensive framework of tree protections spanning Chapter 22A (Forest Conservation), Chapter 49A (Roadside Trees), and M-NCPPC regulations for park trees. The county is widely recognized as having among the strictest local tree laws in the Washington DC metropolitan region.
View full Rockville rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Takoma Park Chapter 12.12 is one of the most comprehensive municipal tree ordinances in Maryland, covering removal permits, construction protection zones, street tree management, and urban forest planning. The ordinance is complemented by Maryland Real Property Article 14-135 limiting HOA restrictions on tree planting for environmental purposes.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rockville | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Law | Ch. 22A | - |
| Roadside Law | Ch. 49A | - |
| Root Zone | 1 ft radius per inch DBH | - |
| Free Trees | Tree Montgomery program | - |
| Parkland | M-NCPPC protected | - |
| Code Section | - | Ch. 12.12 Trees and Vegetation |
| Construction Buffer | - | 1 foot radius per inch of trunk diameter |
| HOA Protection | - | MD RP Art. 14-135 (environmental planting) |
| Advisory Body | - | Takoma Park Tree Commission |
| Designation | - | Tree City USA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rockville FAQ
Which trees are protected in Montgomery County?
Trees on development sites (6 inches DBH or larger under Ch. 22A), roadside trees (any size under Ch. 49A), park trees (M-NCPPC rules), and specimen trees (30 inches DBH) all receive varying levels of protection.
How can I get a free tree in Montgomery County?
The Tree Montgomery program provides free shade trees to county residents. Applications are submitted through the program website, and trees are planted by county contractors during the fall and spring planting seasons.
Takoma Park FAQ
Can my HOA prevent me from planting trees in Takoma Park?
No. Under Maryland Real Property Article 14-135, an HOA cannot prohibit planting trees or vegetation for environmental purposes such as shade, windbreak, or stormwater management. The HOA may have reasonable architectural review procedures but cannot impose an outright ban.
What protection do trees get during construction near my property?
The contractor must install protective fencing at a radius of one foot per inch of trunk diameter around any protected tree. No grading, excavation, material storage, or vehicle traffic is permitted within this zone without city arborist approval.
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