Tree Replacement Requirements: Rockville vs Takoma Park
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Rockville, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Rockville and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Montgomery County requires tree replacement or mitigation when trees are removed under Chapter 22A Forest Conservation Law. Replacement ratios depend on the type of forest removed. Payment into the Forest Conservation Fund is an alternative to on-site planting.
View full Rockville rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Takoma Park requires replacement plantings when a protected tree is removed under an approved permit. The replacement ratio is typically two-for-one for standard protected trees and three-for-one for heritage specimens. If on-site planting is not feasible, the property owner must contribute to the city tree planting fund.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rockville | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ratio | 1 acre planted per removed | 2 replacement trees per 1 removed |
| Fund Option | Forest Conservation Fund | - |
| Min Caliper | 2-3 inches for replacements | - |
| Monitoring | 2-year survival period | - |
| Species | Approved native list | - |
| Heritage Ratio | - | 3 replacement trees per 1 removed |
| Minimum Caliper | - | 1.5 to 2 inches at planting |
| Maintenance Period | - | 2 years by property owner |
| Alternative | - | Tree Planting Fund contribution |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rockville FAQ
Can I pay a fee instead of planting replacement trees?
Yes. Montgomery County allows payment into the Forest Conservation Fund as an alternative to on-site planting. The fund pays for tree planting projects elsewhere in the county.
What species can be used for replacement trees?
Replacement trees must come from an approved native species list maintained by M-NCPPC. Common approved species include red maple, white oak, tulip poplar, and eastern redbud.
Takoma Park FAQ
What species can I plant as replacement trees?
The city arborist provides an approved planting list that emphasizes native Maryland species. Common approved species include red maple, American elm (disease-resistant cultivars), white oak, and Eastern redbud.
What if I do not have room for replacement trees?
If your lot cannot accommodate the required replacement trees, you must contribute to the Takoma Park Tree Planting Fund. The amount is based on the cost of purchasing and installing the equivalent number of trees.
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