The Short Answer
Maryland has no statewide tree removal permit. But many counties and municipalities do have their own requirements — especially for wooded lots, large trees, and properties near the Chesapeake Bay. Removing a tree without the required permit can result in fines and mandatory replacement planting. We research permit requirements as part of every estimate.
Maryland State Law: The Forest Conservation Act
Maryland's Forest Conservation Act (FCA) requires developers and property owners to account for forest removal as part of any project requiring a grading or sediment control permit. The FCA applies statewide but primarily affects development projects — not routine residential tree removal.
The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area adds another layer: properties within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or wetlands face stricter tree removal rules regardless of county. If your property is near the Bay, a river, or a tidal creek, assume additional restrictions apply.
County-by-County Requirements
Anne Arundel County has a Forest Conservation Act program and Critical Area regulations near the Chesapeake Bay. Permits may be required for significant land disturbance on wooded lots.
- •Forest Conservation Plan required for projects disturbing 40,000+ sq ft
- •Critical Area (1,000 ft from tidal waters) has stricter tree removal rules
- •Some municipalities (Annapolis, Severna Park) have additional local ordinances
- •Replacement planting may be required for removed trees
Contact: Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning
Howard County has one of the more active Forest Conservation programs in Maryland. Wooded lots and forest interior areas have significant protections.
- •Forest Conservation Plan required for grading permits on wooded lots
- •Regulated trees (over 30" DBH) require individual review
- •Forest interior disturbance is strictly regulated
- •Mitigation planting required at a 1:1 or higher ratio
Contact: Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning
Baltimore County has tree protection regulations in certain zoning districts and environmental overlay zones. Urban and suburban areas have different rules than rural areas.
- •Environmental overlay zones restrict tree removal
- •Significant trees (over 24" DBH) may require permits
- •Wooded lots in certain zoning districts have additional protections
- •Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations apply near waterways
Contact: Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Queen Anne's County is less restrictive than the Baltimore metro counties for most residential tree removal, but Critical Area regulations apply near the Bay and its tributaries.
- •Critical Area (1,000 ft from tidal waters) has tree removal restrictions
- •Forest Conservation Act applies to development projects
- •Most residential tree removal on private property does not require a permit
Contact: Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning
Caroline County has minimal residential tree removal restrictions outside of Critical Area and Forest Conservation Act requirements for development projects.
- •Forest Conservation Act applies to development projects
- •Critical Area regulations apply near tidal waterways
- •Most residential tree removal does not require a permit
Contact: Caroline County Department of Planning and Codes
What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit?
Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include:
- ⚠Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per tree
- ⚠Mandatory replacement planting at a 2:1 or higher ratio
- ⚠Stop-work orders on related construction projects
- ⚠Required restoration of disturbed areas
- ⚠Potential civil liability if unpermitted removal affects neighbors
We Handle the Permit Research For You
As part of every estimate, our Maryland Licensed Tree Experts research applicable permit requirements for your property. You'll know exactly what's needed before any work begins — no surprises.