Tree Planting Policies and Guidelines

As space for planting on public lands is limited, a process for review of planting proposals has been established for the following purposes:

  • To assure that the County can meet its reforestation mitigation obligations under the Maryland Forest Conservation Act and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act.
  • To improve the long-term success of community planting projects on public lands.

UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES

  • Successful tree planting requires careful planning, proper planting technique and diligent maintenance, with awareness of specific site conditions.
  • Ecosystem functions and community benefits (shade and cooling, aesthetics) are optimized from trees that are healthy and that grow to maturity with well-developed crowns.

APPROVAL PROCESS AND GUIDELINES

Citizens and community groups who wish to plant on Baltimore County property (parks, public schools, libraries and fire stations) should contact EPS to inquire about a particular site.

Once the site is approved, citizens and groups should refer to the Policy and Guidelines for Community Tree Planting Projects for details on developing successful tree planting plans. The Policy and Guidelines explain each step of the planting plan development, implementation and maintenance process. Planting plans are subject to review by EPS, which will evaluate the proposal for proper tree spacing, arrangement and species selection. Approved plans must guarantee ongoing site monitoring and maintenance for at least three years.

Due to the prevalence of planting strips or medians less than eight feet within the County, the County has updated the Policy and Guidelines for planting in strips or medians less than 8 feet wide. Because of the limitations of tree survival in small planting areas, as well as the cost and public safety concerns associated with sidewalk upheaval, no exceptions can be made to the policy for strips or medians.

  • Areas 8 feet or greater from curb to sidewalk: Only canopy species may be planted
  • Areas 6 to 8 feet from curb to sidewalk: Only canopy species may be planted and a root barrier must be installed
  • Areas 4 to 6 feet from curb to sidewalk: Only mid-story species may be planted and a root barrier must be installed
  • Areas under 4 feet from curb to sidewalk: Tree planting is not permitted

You may use any commercially sold root barriers that are 18 inches deep. Root barriers should extend 4 feet on either side of the center of the planted tree for a total barrier length of 8 feet. Remember to consider the cost of root barriers when determining your budget.

The above update does not apply to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) property. All trees planted on property owned and maintained by BCPS must be planted 10 feet from sidewalks and walkways.

When planting trees on County-owned land, the use, function and maintenance of the facilities must be considered. In general, reforestation trees are spaced no less than 15 feet apart. Depending on maintenance requirements, larger spacing may be required. Landscape trees should be placed 30 feet apart in order to maximize crown spread, biomass and aesthetic appeal. In addition, the following spacing requirements for utilities should be followed:

Street Trees

  • 25 feet from intersections
  • 25 feet from road signs
  • 10 feet from fire hydrants
  • 20 feet from overhead utilities
  • 25 feet from street lights
  • 15 feet from other underground utilities

All Other Plantings

  • 25 feet from intersections
  • 25 feet from road signs
  • 10 feet from fire hydrants
  • 20 feet from overhead utilities
  • 25 feet from street lights
  • 30 feet from storm drain inlets and outlets
  • 15 feet from all underground utilities
  • 30 feet from buildings
  • 35 feet from baseball diamonds

Tree canopy maps and data on land cover are available by request for 30 Census Designated Places (CDPs) in Baltimore County. These may be useful for finding opportunities for planting trees, for an understanding of overall tree canopy in a community and other such uses. To request a map, select a CDP below to generate an email request. For more information about the maps, call Carrie Oberholtzer at 410-887-5684 or email coberholtzer@balimorecountymd.gov.

Census-Designated Place CDP Acres Tree Canopy Acres Percent Tree Canopy
Arbutus 4,193.5 1,499.3 35.8%
Bowleys Quarters 2,000.7 978.2 48.9%
Carney 4,489.7 2,129.9 47.4%
Catonsville 9,010.8 4,971.0 55.2%
Cockeysville 7,340.6 3,476.3 47.4%
Dundalk 8,402.7 1,746.7 20.8%
Edgemere 7,065.4 2,059.3 29.1%
Essex 5,898.3 2,502.3 42.4%
Garrison 2,010.5 848.1 42.2%
Hampstead 5.3 2.9 54.9%
Hampton 3,660.9 2,207.5 60.3%
Kingsville 6,450.9 3,796.5 58.9%
Lansdowne-Baltimore Highlands 2,749.7 842.9 30.7%
Lochearn 3,585.7 1,668.2 46.5%
Lutherville-Timonium 4,755.8 2,109.1 44.3%
Mays Chapel 2,396.6 1,101.6 46.0%
Middle River 4,998.8 1,871.7 37.4%
Milford Mill 4,463.3 1,650.8 37.0%
Overlea 1,937.9 708.2 36.5%
Owings Mills 6,144.1 2,443.1 39.8%
Parkville 2,742.8 868.4 31.7%
Perry Hall 4,453.8 1,873.4 42.1%
Pikesville 7,952.0 3,828.3 48.1%
Randallstown 6,618.3 2,832.4 42.8%
Reisterstown 3,297.6 1,279.9 38.8%
Rosedale 4,442.2 1,629.9 36.7%
Rossville 3,462.4 1,211.6 35.0%
Towson 9,100.9 4,508.9 49.5%
White Marsh 3,420.4 1,281.7 37.5%
Woodlawn 6,140.2 2,336.6 38.1%
Total CDPs 143,192.0 60,264.9 42.1%
Other than CDPs 246,137.0 130,009.6 52.8%
Total County 389,329.0 190,274.5 48.9%

ADDITIONAL FORMS

Planting plans (aerial maps) submitted for approval must be accompanied by a Planting Narrative Form. The Narrative Form provides important contact information, as well as details that enable EPS to properly evaluate the planting plan.

Projects must be inspected and maintained on an ongoing basis for three years after planting. An Annual Maintenance Report Form must be submitted to EPS each year, summarizing issues and maintenance tasks completed at the project site.