Tree renewal and landscaping are important to neighborhood renewal. Most neighborhoods were at one time open farmland, and today’s trees are the fruit of continual planting by homeowners and homebuilders over time. To protect and renew trees:

• Make sure trees on your property are healthy and receiving proper care
• Work together with new owners, homebuilders, and elected officials to express your interest in saving existing trees and planting new trees
• Encourage your neighborhood association to promote the planting of new trees throughout the neighborhood

Tree planting, removal, and maintenance has historically been a property right. Since Colonial times, owners have planted, removed and maintained trees on their property as they have seen fit. Some proposed regulations would eliminate or severely restrict owner rights regarding trees, greatly impacting property rights and property values.

There are at present no County regulations that restrict the kinds of trees that can be planted in neighborhoods. Some civic associations have regulations that apply in specific neighborhoods.

Today, the number and size of trees in Montgomery County neighborhoods is greater than ever.

Recently Enacted Legislation Relating to Tree Renewal

Bill 45-06 Protection of Champion Trees. Individual trees rated as a “champion” specimen by the Montgomery County Forestry Board now may not be removed or trimmed, regardless of their location on an owner’s property. Homeowners having a tree that is registered as a “champion” tree must comply with this bill. To view the full legislation, click here.

Pending Legislation Relating to Tree Renewal

Urban Tree Legislation: Council members Marc Elrich and Roger Berliner are coordinating unadvertised meetings with selected County residents to formulate legislation that would restrict an owner’s right to remove trees on the owner’s property.  Elrich has stated that, following approval of amendments to the Forest Conservation Law (introduced as Bill 37-07 and currently being considered by the Council), he will introduce legislation that will require a permit and County approval before a tree can be removed on private property.

If you would like to provide comments to the Council on the issue of regulating the removal of trees on private property, please email your comments to Councilmember.Knapp@montgomerycountymd.gov

Councilmember Nancy Floreen has created a blog, with the Forest Conservation law as the first featured subject. To post comments or questions on issues dealing with trees under the Forest Conservation Law or the “urban” tree bill, visit http://nancyfloreen.blogspot.com/