The Maryland Roadside Tree Law

Roadside Tree Care Regulations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service protects trees along our public road right of way through enforcement of the Roadside Tree Law. The following material is cited in Title 08, Department Of Natural Resources, Subtitle 07 Forest And Parks, Chapter 02 Roadside Tree Care.

.01 Purpose

.02 Definitions

  • What is a roadside tree
  • What is a pesticide
  • Who is a roadside tree care expert

.03 Permit Required

  • When a roadside tree permit is required
  • What activities are exempt from the regulations

.04 Types of Roadside Tree Care Permits

  • Permits for a specific tree or group of trees
  • Permits for comprehensive and continuing programs

.05 Issuance of Roadside Tree Care Permits

  • Who may request a permit
  • How a permit is issued
  • What information is required in a permit
  • When can a permit be issued

.06 Fees

  • Fees for comprehensive and continuing programs
  • Fees for a specific tree or group of trees

.07 Roadside Tree Care Standards

  • General Requirements
  • Tree Clearance for Overhead Facilities
  • Ground Disturbance Requirements
  • Protection of Tree Roots
  • Violations of Roadside Tree Standards

.08 Use of Pesticides

  • Use of Pesticides on roadside trees

.09 Roadside Tree Planting

  • Use of the recommended tree list
  • Conforming to the American Standard for Nursery Stock
  • Use of a roadside tree planting plan