Tree Ordinance

A healthy and robust tree canopy yields many benefits for a City’s residents. This includes cleaner air with the production of oxygen, shade which lowers temperature, uptake of stormwater which reduces runoff and soil erosion, improved health benefits for society, sequestration of carbon in trees, increased property values, and more.

To help sustain and to help prevent the degradation of the tree canopy, the City of College Park implemented a tree ordinance in the summer of 2022 to protect existing mature trees. This was after a 2018 tree canopy assessment determined that the canopy had declined to about 38% of the City’s area. The tree ordinance applies to trees located on residential properties that are greater than 36” in circumference measured at 4.5’ above ground level. The ordinance requires a permit issued from the city to remove a tree or prune over 20% of live wood of a tree over 36” in circumference.

To comply with the tree ordinance, just go to the City website and complete the application: HERE. You will need to measure the circumference to the tree first. You will be required to upload a sketch showing where the tree is located. After the permit application is requested, the city arborist will review it and contact the property owner to conduct an inspection of the tree(s) to determine their condition.

A tree removal permit will be issued if the tree is dead, hazardous, is deemed an invasive species as identified on the list maintained by the Maryland Invasive Species Council, or is determined to adversely affect the property because of it’s location, condition, or other structures or trees. The permit is emailed and mailed to the applicant if approved. There is a written process defined in the tree ordinance if a homeowner wishes to dispute the findings of the city arborist. This information is included in documentation to the homeowner.

Trees (and shrubs) suffer when live branches are pruned because the plant's access to sunlight is reduced as well as it’s ability to produce sugars to grow. At various times, it is necessary to prune urban trees to reduce branches over structures, a road, trail, or for utility lines. Typically, tree experts and arborists do not prune more than 10–15% of a tree’s live crown at one time, excluding dead branches, to minimize stress and other negative impacts on the tree. For this reason, a permit is required when pruning more than 20% of a tree’s live wood to help protect its health and long-term vitality. It is not recommended to prune more than about 15% of live wood unless a structure is being expanded underneath a mature tree.

The tree ordinance requires replanting for removal of a tree. A 36”-47” circumference tree should be replaced by one tree, and a tree 48” circumference tree should be replaced with two trees. The trees replanted should be a minimum 1.25” caliper size, 3” from the base or 5’-6’ tall if an evergreen and native to Maryland. The city can assist homeowners with their replanting through the city residential tree planting program that provides trees at no cost and planted by the city contractor. Use this link to apply. If a homeowner does not want to replant a tree, they can opt to pay $250/tree required into the city reforestation fund.

The City benefits greatly from the Tree Ordinance, which helps preserve a healthy tree canopy and requires the replacement of trees that are approved for removal. If you have further questions regarding the City Tree Ordinance, feel free to contact the city arborist at arborist@collegeparkmd.gov.