Washington County, MD Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Forest Conservation Ordinance, Rev. 7 (2014)
- Champion tree diameter threshold
- 30 inches at 4.5 feet
- Variance authority
- Planning Commission, Article 15
- Max civil penalty
- $1,000 per day
- Enforcing department
- Washington County Dept. of Planning
Summary
Washington County's Forest Conservation Ordinance requires developers to leave rare, threatened or endangered trees and plants undisturbed, along with any tree designated a national, State, or county champion, unless the Planning Commission grants a variance.
8.2. The following trees, shrubs, plants, and specific areas are considered priorities for retention and protection and shall be left in an undisturbed condition unless the applicant has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission that the applicant qualifies for a variance under Article 15 of this Ordinance. A. Trees, shrubs, or plants determined to be rare, threatened, or endangered under: (1) The federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 in 16 U.S.C. Sections 1531--1544 and in 50 CFR Part 17... C. Have been designated by the State or the Department as a national, State, or county champion tree; and D. Any tree having a diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground of: (1) 30 inches or more...
Full Breakdown
2 of the Washington County Forest Conservation Ordinance (Revision 7, effective November 18, 2014), certain trees, shrubs, and plants are ranked as priorities for retention on any site going through subdivision, site plan, or grading review by the Department of Planning. C. 08 must be left in an undisturbed condition. The same protection extends to trees on the Washington County Historic Sites Survey or National Register of Historic Places, and to any tree the State or the Department has designated a national, State, or county champion.
5 feet above ground, or 75 percent or more of the diameter of the current State champion of that species listed in Appendix N of the County's Forest Conservation Technical Manual. A developer can only clear a protected tree by demonstrating to the Planning Commission that the project qualifies for a variance under Article 15; absent that showing, the tree stays. 2A, C, or D, forcing full plan review whenever a champion or protected-species tree is at risk. Enforcement runs through Article 16: violations of the Ordinance, an approved forest conservation plan, or its 2-year maintenance agreement carry a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day, plus Department authority to issue stop-work orders, revoke plan approvals, and compel restoration.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a protected tree without an approved variance exposes the responsible party to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 under Article 16.2, with each day of continued violation counted separately. The Department or Board of County Commissioners can also issue a stop-work order, revoke the forest conservation plan, and sue to compel restoration or reforestation of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner cut down a county-designated champion tree?
What counts as a protected large tree besides champions?
What happens if a protected tree is removed without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Maryland tree protection overview
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