Street trees in Baltimore parkways and tree pits are city property managed by Recreation and Parks. Residents may not plant, prune, or remove street trees without a Forestry Division permit. Approved species lists guide replacement planting under the Forest Conservation Act.
The Forestry Division within the Department of Recreation and Parks holds jurisdiction over all trees in public rights-of-way, including parkway strips between sidewalk and curb. Property owners abutting these spaces are encouraged to water and mulch but cannot plant new trees, top, or remove them without a city permit. Approved species lists balance urban tolerance with biodiversity, avoiding invasives like callery pear and tree-of-heaven. New developments must provide tree pits per TransForm Baltimore landscape standards and submit Forest Conservation Act plans for sites over 40,000 square feet. Damage to street trees during construction triggers replacement valuations.
Unauthorized removal or topping of street trees: fines starting around $500 per tree plus appraised replacement value. Construction damage may trigger civil recovery and project stop-work orders.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore commits to a 40% tree canopy goal, prioritizing planting in low-canopy, heat-vulnerable, and historically disinvested neighborhoods. The TreeBaltim...
Baltimore, MD
Maryland's Forest Conservation Act (Natural Resources §5-1601 et seq.) requires reforestation and afforestation when developing sites over 40,000 square feet...
See how Baltimore's parkway planting rules stack up against other locations.
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