Harford County, MD Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Code of Harford County § 267-29G requires street trees on road frontages in new residential and nonresidential developments at a ratio of one large street tree for every 40 linear feet, measured on the center line, or one medium street tree for every 30 linear feet of interior road. Trees are generally spaced at regular intervals without regard to property lines to keep a balanced appearance, though the Director of Planning may authorize clustering to preserve scenic vistas, existing character or access drives, provided the total tree count matches what an evenly spaced pattern would require.

Placement is also restricted for safety: street trees may not restrict sight lines at intersections or block the view of any traffic or road sign, the Director of Planning can waive the requirement where placement would create a safety hazard, and trees may go within the right-of-way only with concurrence from both the Director of Planning and the Director of Public Works. No street tree may be planted within 10 feet of public utilities. 5 inches, and all plant material must be drawn from the Harford County Plant List maintained by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Where maintenance easements are established over the planting strip, responsibility for keeping the street trees alive and presentable falls on the homeowner or homeowner's association, not the county.