Howard County, MD Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Trees on your lot
- No county trim permit
- Right-of-way trees
- Permit required
- Authority
- MD Nat. Res. Sec. 5-406
- Permitting agency
- DNR Forest Service
- Possible condition
- Replanting within one year
Summary
In Howard County you may prune trees inside your yard freely, but a tree growing wholly or partly in the public road right-of-way is a 'roadside tree.' Under Maryland law you must get a Tree Care Permit from the DNR Forest Service before trimming, cutting or removing it.
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
Howard County has no countywide ordinance requiring a permit to trim trees standing entirely on private property, though forest-conservation easements and HOA rules can apply. Trees in the public right-of-way are protected by Maryland's Roadside Tree Law, enforced statewide by the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and dating to 1914. Natural Resources section 5-406 bars any person from cutting, trimming or injuring a roadside tree without a departmental permit. A forest ranger inspects and may approve, modify or deny the request, and replanting can be required. For street trees the county Bureau of Highways handles maintenance; residents apply through the Maryland DNR / OneStop portal.
Violations & Fines
Trimming or cutting a roadside tree without a DNR permit can bring a fine or other penalty from the Department of Natural Resources; permit conditions may require replacement planting within one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to prune my own backyard tree?
Who issues the roadside-tree permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howard County
Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland landscaping rules overview
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