Tree Protection in Anne Arundel County, MD (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Anne Arundel County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Tree Removal Permits

Anne Arundel County Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Article 17 apply. Trees over 30 inches DBH on land 40,000+ sq ft trigger regulation. Critical Area buffer trees heavily protected.

tree-protection/tree-removal-permits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Heritage & Protected Trees

Anne Arundel County designates Specimen Trees (30+ inch DBH) under Article 17. Annapolis has its own Tree City USA program with landmark designations. Removal requires extensive justification.

tree-protection/heritage-trees

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Replacement Requirements

Anne Arundel County FCA requires afforestation/reforestation at ratios from 1:1 (1.5-inch caliper) to 3:1 for specimen trees. Fee-in-lieu paid to County Forest Conservation Fund.

tree-protection/tree-replacement

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Anne Arundel County ordinances

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