Baltimore County, MD Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-yard trees
- No county trim permit
- Right-of-way trees
- DNR permit required
- Statute
- Md. Nat. Res. § 5-406
- Who may do the work
- Licensed Tree Care Expert
- Permit portal
- Maryland OneStop
Summary
Private-yard trees generally need no county trimming permit, but any tree in the public right-of-way ('roadside tree') may not be cut or trimmed without a permit from the Maryland DNR Forest Service, and the work must use a Licensed Tree Expert.
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.
Full Breakdown
Baltimore County does not regulate routine trimming of trees on your own private property. However, Maryland's statewide Roadside Tree Law governs any tree growing wholly or partly within a public right-of-way. Under Natural Resources §5-406, a person may not cut, trim, mutilate, or injure a roadside tree without a permit from the Department (DNR Forest Service), and licensed tree-care experts must perform the work. Homeowners apply for a Roadside Tree Care Permit through Maryland OneStop before trimming a street or right-of-way tree. County-owned trees on public grounds are maintained by county forestry staff.
Violations & Fines
Cutting or trimming a roadside/right-of-way tree without a DNR permit can result in fines assessed by the Department of Natural Resources; unlicensed work is also prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in my own yard?
What about the tree between the sidewalk and street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
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