Gaithersburg, MD Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Chapter 22A of the Montgomery County Code establishes detailed tree and forest replacement requirements. When forest is removed under an approved forest conservation plan, the applicant must plant replacement trees or preserve additional forest. Standard mitigation ratios require planting one-quarter acre of new forest for every acre of forest retained that is disturbed, and one acre of new forest for every acre removed from areas not designated for retention. Specimen tree removal triggers enhanced mitigation, often requiring planting multiple replacement trees per specimen removed or paying into the Forest Conservation Fund at a rate per square foot of tree canopy lost. The Forest Conservation Fund, managed by M-NCPPC, finances tree planting projects throughout the county. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper size requirements (typically 2 to 3 inches caliper) and be selected from an approved native species list. Planted areas must be maintained and monitored for a minimum of two years to ensure survival. The Planning Board can condition approval on specific planting locations, such as on-site, off-site, or within the same watershed.