Forestry

Please note: The Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance is managed by the Community Planning and Development Services Department. More information can be found on the Forest and Tree Preservation page.

Rockville values its trees and forests because of the many benefits they provide to the community. The city is obligated under the Maryland Roadside Tree Law, as administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to maintain the street trees within the public right-of-way. This includes pruning, removing hazardous or dead trees, and planting trees. As a Public Agency, the City of Rockville is subject to the regulations of the annual Roadside Tree Blanket Permit issued to us. When any tree care is performed on a roadside tree without a permit, a fine may be assessed or more severe actions taken by the DNR Forest Service. Please do not prune, remove, plant, or conduct any other activity within the right-of-way.

To maintain the health of our trees and environment, trees that are dead, diseased, severely damaged or pose a risk to public safety will be removed. Only trees that are located within the right-of-way or on city property will be removed. To determine the ownership of a tree, see the city’s guide to determining your property line or the Forestry Department may be able to lend assistance.

The City Forester provides private tree consultations upon request and as time allows.

City trees include:

  • trees in city parks
  • street trees located within the city right-of-way; usually, this is between the curb and sidewalk
Still have questions? Contact: 

Forestry
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240-314-8700
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forestry@rockvillemd.gov
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14625 Rothgeb Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
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Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Report a Down or Damaged City Tree

To report a fallen or damaged tree, or fallen or hanging limb, call 240-314-8700 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For reports made after hours, call 240-314-8900.

Trees on Electrical Lines

Electrical lines are maintained by Pepco. If a tree is on an electrical line, call Pepco's emergency line at 1-877-737-2662. Pepco does not clear limbs from communication lines and city tree crews are not certified to work within 10 feet of any utility line.

Request Tree Maintenance
 For all requests relating to city tree inspection, removal or planting.


Historic District or HOA Tree Removal

A tree removal permit is required for trees on historic and HOA properties. Tree removal on private HOA property is determined by the HOA, but may be subject to the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance (FTPO).


Resources

Master Street Tree Plan

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All tree care professionals practicing in Maryland must obtain a license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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