Tree Protection in Montgomery County, MD (2026)

Montgomery County Code § 22A-6(a)

An activity or development that is exempt under Section 22A-5 except for the clearing of a specimen or champion tree, or that impacts a specimen or champion tree, requires the approval of a tree save plan. The tree save plan must require tree preservation or planting of mitigation trees at a ratio of one caliper inch replaced for every 4 inches of trunk diameter removed, measured at 4.5 feet ab...

Montgomery County Code § 22A-12(b)(3)

The following trees...are priority for retention and protection and must be left in an undisturbed condition unless the Planning Board or Planning Director...finds that the applicant qualifies for a variance under Section 22A-21: ...(B) Any tree that is...designated by the State or County as a national, State, or County champion tree; (C) Any tree with a diameter, measured at 4.5 feet above the...

Montgomery County Code § 49-33(i)(1)

On public road rights-of-way, street trees must be planted in accordance with design standards of the Department of Transportation. On private road rights-of-way and easements, street trees must be planted in accordance with the technical manual adopted by the Planning Board under Chapter 22A.       (2)   The Department of Permitting Services, the Department of Transportation, and the staff of ...