Tree Protection in Washington County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Washington County's Forest Conservation Ordinance requires developers to leave rare, threatened or endangered trees and plants undisturbed, along with any tree designated a national, State, or county champion, unless the Planning Commission grants a variance.
Washington County Protects Rare and Champion Trees
Some RestrictionsWashington County, MD Forest Conservation Ordinance, Article 8, Section 8.2
8.2. The following trees, shrubs, plants, and specific areas are considered priorities for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition unless the applicant has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission that the applicant qualifies for a variance under Article 15 of this Ordinance. A. Trees, shrubs, or plants determined to be rare, threatened, or end...
Parkway Planting
Inside the Urban Growth Area or Town Growth Areas, developers meeting forest conservation obligations may plant street trees only from the county's approved Appendix P list, and those trees must be guaranteed to survive at least five years.
Washington County Street Tree Planting Standard
Some RestrictionsWashington County, MD Forest Conservation Ordinance, Article 10, Section 10.1.B(2)
B. Within the Urban Growth Area or Town Growth Areas after all on site priority areas listed in Article 8.1 have been shown to be protected by forest conservation easements the following sequence for afforestation and reforestation may be used toward meeting forest conservation requirements as part of a final Forest Conservation Plan: (1) Forest creation using transplanted or nursery stock, (2)...
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