Anne Arundel County, MD Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected categories
- Champion, historic-site, and 30-inch+ trees
- Governing section
- § 17-6-303(b)(4)-(5)
- Modification approval
- Planning and Zoning Officer required
- Applies to
- Subdivision and grading development plans
Summary
Anne Arundel County classifies champion trees, historic-site trees, and trees 30+ inches in diameter as priority retention areas that developers must leave undisturbed during land development unless the Planning and Zoning Officer approves a modification.
(4) trees that are champion trees, part of a historic site, or associated with a historic structure; ... (5) a tree that has a diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground of 30 inches or more or that is 75% or more of the diameter of the current State champion tree of that species;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
When a developer files a forest conservation plan for subdivision or grading activity in Anne Arundel County, the code flags certain trees as priority retention areas that must stay undisturbed. That list covers champion trees, trees on a historic site or tied to a historic structure, and any tree measuring 30 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground (or 75% of the state champion diameter for its species). Disturbing them requires the Planning and Zoning Officer to approve a modification. The rule applies countywide, including unincorporated Glen Burnie and Severna Park, since Annapolis and Highland Beach have separate codes.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing a protected champion, historic, or large-diameter tree without an approved modification violates the forest conservation plan and can trigger Forest Conservation Fund payment obligations or plan revocation by the Office of Planning and Zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to trees on my private residential lot in Glen Burnie?
Can a protected tree ever be removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland tree protection overview
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