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Tree permits · Maryland

Do you need a tree removal permit in Baltimore, MD?

Protected trees

We could not confirm this from an official Baltimore source. Call the city to check.

Street trees

Street trees are maintained by the Forestry Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks. The city FAQ says tree removal permits are issued only if removal is required to repair a leaking sewer. For pruning a street tree, contact 311.

Dead or hazardous trees

Report dead street trees to 311. The city FAQ says a tree blocking a road or fallen on private property is treated as an emergency and the Forestry Division will respond.

How to apply

Call 311 to report or request street tree work. The Forestry page also lists the City Arborist at 410-396-6109.

HOA note

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.

A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.

For homeowners

Before a tree comes down in Baltimore

  • Check the city rule above and call the city if anything is unclear.
  • Ask the tree company who gets the permit and put it in the written quote.
  • Get two or three written quotes from local insured pros.
  • Never cut near power lines. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.

Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.

Own a tree service in Baltimore?

Permit questions mean calls. Answer every one.

Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.

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More tree permits in Maryland

See tree permits in every city we checked.

Baltimore tree permit questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Baltimore, MD?

We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Baltimore. Call the city before removing a large tree. We could not confirm a city rule for trees on private property in Baltimore. The city's Forestry Division looks after street trees, and its FAQ says removal permits for street trees are issued only when removal is needed to repair a leaking sewer. Call 311 or the Forestry Division before removing a large tree. Our confidence: low. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in Baltimore?

Street trees are maintained by the Forestry Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks. The city FAQ says tree removal permits are issued only if removal is required to repair a leaking sewer. For pruning a street tree, contact 311.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead or dangerous tree in Baltimore?

Report dead street trees to 311. The city FAQ says a tree blocking a road or fallen on private property is treated as an emergency and the Forestry Division will respond.

How do I apply for a tree permit in Baltimore?

Call 311 to report or request street tree work. The Forestry page also lists the City Arborist at 410-396-6109.

Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in Baltimore?

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

What should I have ready before I call the city?

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Will the tree company get the permit for me?

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

How current is this Baltimore information?

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.

Can county or state rules apply in Baltimore too?

Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.

Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.

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