Landscaping Rules in Baltimore County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Private-yard trees generally need no county trimming permit, but any tree in the public right-of-way ('roadside tree') may not be cut or trimmed without a permit from the Maryland DNR Forest Service, and the work must use a Licensed Tree Expert.
Trimming Roadside and Right-of-Way Trees
Some RestrictionsMd. Code, Natural Resources § 5-406(c)
A person may not cut down, trim, mutilate, or in any manner injure any roadside tree, except as authorized by this section, without a permit from the Department.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Baltimore County administers the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Code Article 33, Title 6). Clearing forest during subdivision, grading, or sediment-control work on 40,000+ sq ft requires a forest conservation plan, and cleared forest must be replanted under state ratios.
Forest Conservation Permits for Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsMd. Code, Natural Resources § 5-1606
For the following land use categories, tracts having less than 20% of the net tract area in forest cover shall be afforested up to 20% of the net tract area.
Weed Ordinances
Baltimore County's Weed Ordinance bars an owner or occupant from allowing grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation to exceed 8 inches in height (County Code Section 13-7-401). After notice you have days to cut to 3 inches, or the County mows it and charges you.
Baltimore County: Grass and Weeds Over 8 Inches Prohibited
Heavy RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 13-7-401(a)(1)
An owner, occupant, or person in control of a lot or parcel of land in the county may not allow or maintain on the lot or parcel of land: (1) A growth of grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation to a height exceeding 8 inches.
Water Restrictions
Baltimore County does not set fixed watering days; instead the Director of Public Works and Transportation can issue a binding order restricting water use, including lawn and garden irrigation, for specific areas, hours, days and purposes when supply needs protecting.
Baltimore County Water-Use Restriction Orders
Significant RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 20-1-114
§ 20-1-114. - RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF WATER. (a) Upon receipt of a written request from the Water Engineer of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, the Director of Public Works and Transportation is authorized and empowered to restrict the use of water furnished or supplied by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to any person or property located in the county. (b) The Director of Publ...
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