Tree Protection in Carroll County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Carroll County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

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

Heritage & Protected Trees

Carroll County's forest conservation code protects trees tied to historic sites and county-designated champion trees. Under Section 150.06(B)(2), any tree recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the Maryland Historical Trust, the Carroll County Historic Preservation Commission, or formally named a champion tree must stay undisturbed during development unless the county grants a variance.

Carroll County Heritage Tree Protection

Significant Restrictions

Carroll County Code of Ordinances § 150.06(B)(2)

(B) The following categories of trees, shrubs, or other associated vegetation, and forest resources located in specifically identified sensitive locations shall be considered a priority for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition and protected from disturbance during and until on site construction activities are complete, unless the applicant has demonstrated to t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Carroll County's Forest Conservation ordinance singles out rare, threatened, and endangered trees, shrubs, and plants for mandatory retention. Under Section 150.06(B)(1), any species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources must be left undisturbed on a development site unless the county grants a Section 150.14 variance.

Carroll County Rare and Endangered Tree Rule

Significant Restrictions

Carroll County Code of Ordinances § 150.06(B)(1)

(B) The following categories of trees, shrubs, or other associated vegetation, and forest resources located in specifically identified sensitive locations shall be considered a priority for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition and protected from disturbance during and until on site construction activities are complete, unless the applicant has demonstrated to t...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Carroll County ordinances

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