Trees

Neighbor-related Disputes

If you feel that your neighbor has a tree that is hazardous to your property, contact the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. A few of the resources available on their site include:

• Housing Code Enforcement Resources
• Code Enforcement Handbook
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you wish to file a complaint, use the online complaint form or call 311.

Tree Maintenance and Removal on County Streets

All activities, such as pruning, tree removal, removal of dead limbs and downed trees, insect and disease control, planting, root cutting, etc., for trees on County right of ways and streets, are completed by the Tree Maintenance section of the Division of Highway Services. They can be contacted at 311.

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Tree Removal

May I Remove a Tree From My Private Property?
Within Montgomery County there are 19 incorporated cities, towns, and villages. Each one might have its own codes and regulations regarding street trees and trees on private property. Please contact your local officials before performing any tree work.

If you don't live in an incorporated city, town, or village and the tree is wholly on your property, you don't need a permit or other authorization from Montgomery County or the State of Maryland as long as your lot is smaller than 40,000 square feet (about 1 acre).

In addition, the following jurisdictions have tree ordinance information on their Web sites:

• Town of Chevy Chase
• City of Gaithersburg
• Town of Garret Park
• Town of Kensington
• City of Rockville
• Town of Somerset
• City of Takoma Park
• Washington Grove

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