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Prince George's County, MD Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Private-yard trim
No county permit needed
Right-of-way trees
DNR permit required
State law
MD Nat. Res. § 5-406
ROW maintainer
DPW&T

Summary

Trimming trees on your own private property in Prince George's County generally needs no county permit. But any tree in a public road right-of-way is protected: Maryland's Roadside Tree Law (Natural Resources Article 5-406) makes it illegal to trim a roadside tree without a permit from the DNR Forest Service.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Prince George's County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person may not cut down, trim, mutilate, or in any manner injure any roadside tree, except as authorized by this section, without a permit from the Department.

View official code

Full Breakdown

For trees on your own land, the County requires no permit to prune or trim. The picture changes at the curb. Trees in the public road right-of-way are 'roadside trees' governed by state law and maintained here by DPW&T. Under Maryland Natural Resources Article Section 5-406, anyone wanting to cut down or trim a roadside tree must apply to the Maryland DNR Forest Service for a Roadside Tree Permit, and it is unlawful to trim, mutilate or injure one without a permit. Commercial work must be done under a Licensed Tree Expert. A narrow exception allows removing branches broken onto electric wires. Clearing over 5,000 square feet on private land triggers a grading permit and Subtitle 25 review.

Violations & Fines

Trimming or cutting a tree in the public right-of-way without a Maryland DNR Roadside Tree Permit is a violation. County right-of-way trees also require DPW&T approval. Fines and restoration can follow unauthorized or improper roadside tree work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to trim a tree in my yard?
No. Trimming a tree on your own private property does not require a county permit in Prince George's County. Trees in the public right-of-way are different and need a state permit.
Can I trim a tree in front of my house near the street?
Only with a permit. Roadside (right-of-way) trees are protected under Maryland Natural Resources 5-406, which requires a DNR Forest Service permit before trimming.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince George's County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsFew RestrictionsNative PlantsSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsCompostingLight RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions

All Prince George's County rules

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