Tree Protection in Howard County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Howard County's forest conservation law bars disturbing trees listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by state or federal wildlife agencies, trees tied to a historic site, and any tree 30 inches or more in diameter, including state champion trees, during subdivision, site development, or grading. County Code Section 16.1205(a) requires these trees to be left undisturbed, and violators are billed 500 square feet of forest per tree disturbed.
Howard County Protects Rare and Champion Trees
Significant RestrictionsHoward County Code § 16.1205(a); § 16.1213(e)
(a)On-Site Forest Retention Required. Subdivision, site development, and grading shall leave the following vegetation and specific areas in an undisturbed condition.(1)Trees and other vegetation identified on the lists of rare, threatened and endangered species of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources;(2)Trees that are part of a historic site or asso...
Parkway Planting
Howard County requires street trees at least two and one-half inches in caliper on every new internal road and any existing road undergoing improvements, under County Code Section 16.124(e). The Department of Planning and Zoning reviews the planting plan during subdivision or site development approval, and a developer can earn up to 100 percent credit for preserving mature trees already standing in or next to the right-of-way.
Howard County Street Trees Need 2.5-Inch Caliper
Some RestrictionsHoward County Code § 16.124(e) (Street Trees and Right-of-Way Plantings)
(e)Street Trees and Right-of-Way Plantings:(1)Street trees with a minimum of at least two and one-half-inch caliper shall be required in all districts. Street tree plantings shall be provided on new internal roads and on existing roads involving road improvements as described in the Landscape Manual. Existing trees to be preserved in or adjacent to the right-of-way may be approved and may be gr...
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