Baltimore requires a permit to remove any street tree or tree on city property, administered by the Department of Recreation and Parks Forestry Division. Private property trees over a certain size may also require permits.
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks Forestry Division manages all street trees and trees on public property. Removal of any street tree requires a permit from the Forestry Division, and the city generally requires replacement planting or payment into a tree fund. Private property trees in certain zoning districts or historic areas may require permits for removal if they exceed diameter thresholds (generally 12 inches DBH or larger). The city's urban tree canopy goal is to increase coverage to 40%. Emergency removal of hazardous trees may proceed without a permit but must be reported. Baltimore's Forest Conservation Act compliance applies to development projects.
Unauthorized removal of a street tree can result in fines of $100 to $1,000 per tree plus the cost of replacement. Removal of protected trees on private property without a permit may result in fines and mandatory replacement planting at a ratio of up to 3:1.
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See how Baltimore's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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