Landscaping Rules in Howard County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In Howard County you may prune trees inside your yard freely, but a tree growing wholly or partly in the public road right-of-way is a 'roadside tree.' Under Maryland law you must get a Tree Care Permit from the DNR Forest Service before trimming, cutting or removing it.
Trimming Roadside Trees Needs a Maryland Permit
Some RestrictionsMD Code, Natural Resources Sec. 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
Howard County does not require a permit to remove a single tree from an owner-occupied lot. Larger clearing is governed by the county's Forest Conservation program under the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, which requires a forest conservation plan and retention or replanting when development disturbs 40,000 square feet or more.
Forest Conservation Plan Governs Large Tree Clearing
Some RestrictionsMD Code, Natural Resources Sec. 5-1601 (Forest Conservation Act)
"Forest conservation" means the retention of existing forest or the creation of new forest at the levels prescribed by the State or local authority.
Weed Ordinances
Howard County has no fixed lawn-height number for owner-occupied homes. Its Property Maintenance Code (adopting the International Property Maintenance Code) governs overgrown grass and weeds only on rental and non-owner-occupied housing; owner-occupied yards are left to your HOA.
Howard County Grass Rules Apply to Rental Housing
Some RestrictionsHoward County Code Sec. 3.700, IPMC 101.2 Scope
The scope of this code is limited to existing structures in the following occupancies... Residential: Use groups R-1, R-2, R-4; and Use groups R-3 that are not owner-occupied, occupied by the owner's immediate family, or owner-occupied with 2 or more roomers or boarders.
Water Restrictions
Howard County has no year-round odd/even watering ban. Water use is limited only when the state declares a drought. Under Maryland's Level One Mandatory Restrictions, watering grass is prohibited and outdoor water use is sharply curtailed; between droughts the county asks residents to conserve voluntarily.
Watering Rules Kick In During Maryland Droughts
Some RestrictionsMDE Level One Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Watering of grass is prohibited... Washing paved surfaces such as streets, roads, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas, tennis courts, and patios is prohibited.
All Howard County ordinances
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