Northeast region
Tree removal and tree care in Maryland
Maryland regulates tree work statewide: the Roadside Tree Law requires a permit to prune or remove trees in a public road right-of-way, and tree care for hire must be done by or under a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Trees entirely on your lot, away from the road, generally need no permit.
City guides in Maryland
Maryland's Roadside Tree Law covers trees any part of which grows within a public road right-of-way, which includes many trees along the street edge of suburban lots. Work on them needs a permit, and the work must be done by a licensed tree expert. In Baltimore City, street trees also need a permit from the Department of Recreation and Parks.
The June 2012 derecho knocked out power to much of central Maryland, and tropical remnants regularly bring flooding rain and wind. Older suburbs from Silver Spring to Towson have large tulip poplars, oaks and maples over houses, while Eastern Shore properties deal with loblolly pine, salt and sandy soil.
Reviewed and updated
Maryland's roadside tree law and licensed experts
- Maryland's Roadside Tree Law requires a permit before pruning, removing or otherwise caring for a tree growing in a public road right-of-way.
- Tree care for hire in Maryland must be performed by or under a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert.
- In Baltimore City, removing a street tree requires a written permit from the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the work must be done by a licensed tree expert.
Sources (checked 2026-10-01)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Storms, pests and ice in Maryland
Derechos and severe storms
Summer windstorms, like June 2012's, bring down trees across the state.
Tropical remnants and nor'easters
Days of rain and wind topple shallow-rooted trees.
Emerald ash borer
Present statewide; dead ash along roads and yards are a hazard.
Spotted lanternfly
Spreading across Maryland; tree-of-heaven is its main host.
Ice
Freezing rain in central and western Maryland breaks limbs onto lines.
Central Maryland, the Eastern Shore and the western mountains
- Central Maryland, from the Baltimore and DC suburbs to Frederick, has big tulip poplars and oaks over houses and takes the derechos and tropical remnants.
- The Eastern Shore is flat and low, with loblolly pines, salt exposure and soft ground.
- Western Maryland's mountains get more snow and ice, and steep lots make access harder.
Maryland's poplars, maples, oaks and pines
- Tulip poplar
- Very tall; storm limb drop
- Red maple
- Most common tree in many suburbs
- Willow and pin oak
- Large street and yard trees
- Loblolly pine
- Eastern Shore and southern Maryland
- Tree-of-heaven
- Invasive; lanternfly host
Maryland city guides
Baltimore's guide covers its street trees and Forestry permits. Montgomery and Prince George's counties near DC have their own tree laws tied to construction, and the Eastern Shore deals with coastal storms and salt.
Street tree permits, inch-for-inch replacement and rowhouse yards.
Maryland's storm seasons
Maryland's storm year runs from winter nor'easters and ice through summer thunderstorms to tropical remnants in late summer and fall. Winter is the easiest time to schedule planned work.
- Summer
- Derecho and thunderstorm season
- Aug–Oct
- Tropical remnants
- Winter
- Ice risk; good time for removals
Maryland services by risk
Derecho and tropical remnant cleanup.
Licensed-expert removals, with roadside permits where they apply.
Ash killed by emerald ash borer.
Roadside tree pruning needs a permit.
Maryland tree questions
Does my Maryland tree company need a license?
Yes. Tree care for hire in Maryland must be done by or under a Licensed Tree Expert. Ask for the license number and confirm insurance before work starts.
Is the tree near my street covered by the Roadside Tree Law?
If any part of it grows within the public road right-of-way, yes. That often includes trees right at the street edge of a lot. Work on it needs a roadside tree permit.
Is spotted lanternfly in Maryland yet?
Yes, it has spread into much of the state from Pennsylvania. Maryland's Department of Agriculture asks residents to destroy egg masses and adults, and tree-of-heaven, the insect's favorite host, is the tree most worth removing; cut stumps resprout, so removal usually includes treatment.
Need tree help in Maryland?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.