Tree Protection in Worcester County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Worcester County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Worcester County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Heritage & Protected Trees

In unincorporated Worcester County, Maryland, the Forest Conservation Law makes trees that are part of an historic site, trees associated with an historic structure, designated national, state or county champion trees, and healthy trees thirty inches or more in diameter retention priorities. Section NR 1-409 leaves them undisturbed unless the applicant shows the Department that reasonable efforts failed and the plan cannot be reasonably altered.

Worcester County Champion and Historic Tree Protection

Some Restrictions

Worcester County Code § NR 1-409

(a) Retention priorities. The following trees, shrubs, plants, and specific areas shall be considered priorities for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition, with the exception of general woodlot management, unless the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department that reasonable efforts have been made to protect them and the plan cannot be reas...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

In unincorporated Worcester County, Maryland, § NR 1-409 makes forest communities containing species on the federal or Maryland rare, threatened, and endangered lists a retention priority, along with trees and plants in critical habitats, floodplains, stream buffers, steep slopes and nontidal wetlands. They stay undisturbed unless the applicant shows the Department that reasonable efforts failed and the plan cannot be reasonably altered.

Worcester County Rare Species Forest Retention Rules

Some Restrictions

Worcester County Code § NR 1-409

(a) Retention priorities. The following trees, shrubs, plants, and specific areas shall be considered priorities for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition, ... (1) Trees, shrubs, and plants located in sensitive areas, including the one-hundred-year floodplain, intermittent and perennial streams and their buffers, steep slopes, nontidal wetlands and their buffers...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Worcester County ordinances

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