Landscaping Rules in Montgomery County, MD (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Montgomery County has three tree protection laws: Forest Conservation Law (Chapter 22A), Roadside Tree Law (Chapter 49), and Tree Canopy Law (Chapter 55). Roadside/street tree removal requires permits from both the county and the state. Forest conservation plans required for properties over 40,000 sq ft undergoing development.
Montgomery County Tree Removal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsMontgomery County Code Chapter 55 (Tree Canopy Law); Chapter 49 (Roadside Tree Law); Chapter 22A (Forest Conservation Law)
The Tree Canopy Law requires property owners to plant new shade trees during development. Planting shade trees helps offset the impacts of development on the natural environment. Read the Chapter 55 - Tree Canopy Law in the Montgomery County Code. Development is when a property owner is required to get a sediment control permit in order to complete the work they are planning for their property....
Weed Ordinances
Montgomery County caps weeds and grass at 12 inches within 15 feet of any property line in subdivisions and the 100 feet around them; the Department of Housing and Community Affairs can order removal and bill the owner.
Montgomery County Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsMontgomery County Code § 58-3
An owner, lessee, agent, and any other person in charge of land in a subdivision or within 100 feet of a subdivision must not allow: (a) The generalized growth of any weed; and (b) Any generalized plant growth more than 12 inches high within 15 feet of any property boundary. Generalized plant growth does not include trees, ornamental shrubs, flowers, or garden vegetables.
Rainwater Harvesting
On lots under 15,000 square feet, Montgomery County lets builders satisfy the required runoff-control plan for a building permit with a rain barrel or cistern instead of conventional stormwater infrastructure.
Montgomery County Rain Barrel Drainage Rule
Some RestrictionsMontgomery County Code § 8-29B
The Director must not issue a building permit for any detached one- or two-family residential building located on a recorded lot smaller than 15,000 square feet... unless the plans provide for safe conveyance or control of any increased water runoff... approved drainage system means any method of safe conveyance from the property or storage on the property of on-site water runoff... using ... r...
Native Plants
Montgomery County's weed law caps "generalized plant growth" at 12 inches near property lines, but Code § 58-3 exempts trees, ornamental shrubs, flowers, and garden vegetables: shielding native plant beds and naturalized landscaping from mow-down enforcement.
Montgomery County Native Plant Landscaping Allowance
Light RestrictionsMontgomery County Code § 58-3
An owner, lessee, agent, and any other person in charge of land in a subdivision or within 100 feet of a subdivision must not allow: (a) The generalized growth of any weed; and (b) Any generalized plant growth more than 12 inches high within 15 feet of any property boundary. Generalized plant growth does not include trees, ornamental shrubs, flowers, or garden vegetables.
Composting
Montgomery County requires backyard compost piles used to dispose of garbage to be rodentproofed; piles made entirely of leaves and dirt are exempt from that requirement under County Code Chapter 48.
Montgomery County Compost Pile Rodentproofing Rule
Some RestrictionsMontgomery County Code § 48-17
The use of compost piles for the disposal of garbage is permitted only when the pile is completely rodentproofed. Compost piles consisting entirely of leaves and dirt do not require rodentproofing. (1981 L.M.C., ch. 37, § 1.) Sec. 48-17B. Strategic Plan to Advance Composting, Compost Use and Food Waste Diversion in Montgomery County. (a) Legislative findings. The County Council finds that:...
Landscaping Rules by City in Montgomery County
2 cities in Montgomery County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Montgomery County ordinances
See every category we cover for Montgomery County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Montgomery County Ordinance Hub →