Does Maryland have laws protecting native maryland trees? - Ask Extension
My neighbors want me to cut down a native american tulip tree in my yard claiming it is diseased. (I do not noice any disease in the branches that fel...
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Does Maryland have laws protecting native maryland trees? #843772
Asked August 02, 2023, 9:02 AM EDT
My neighbors want me to cut down a native american tulip tree in my yard claiming it is diseased. (I do not noice any disease in the branches that fell in the microburst this past weekend amd sense the small branches that fell were from an act of god). Are there any laws in Maryland that protect their native trees as i understand the American Tulip is a native tree. I could have the tree trimmed but ideally do not want to cut down an native american tree.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
please see pictures of core of branches that fell during the storm below
We are not aware of laws protecting native trees in Maryland but you could check with your county foresters.
They can be weak-wooded and drop branches but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are diseased.
This post from our Maryland Grows blog should be helpful to you:
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2018/11/30/urban-landowners-in-maryland-have-a-duty-to-inspect-property-and-handle-diseased-or-damaged-trees-to-prevent-damage-to-neighbors/
If there truly is a concern about the health of the tree, you could have an ISA-certified arborist come and do an on-site evaluation of the tree.
Most larger tree companies have them on staff or you can search for one at http://www.treesaregood.org . Maybe your neighbor would share the cost.
Christine
They can be weak-wooded and drop branches but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are diseased.
This post from our Maryland Grows blog should be helpful to you:
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2018/11/30/urban-landowners-in-maryland-have-a-duty-to-inspect-property-and-handle-diseased-or-damaged-trees-to-prevent-damage-to-neighbors/
If there truly is a concern about the health of the tree, you could have an ISA-certified arborist come and do an on-site evaluation of the tree.
Most larger tree companies have them on staff or you can search for one at http://www.treesaregood.org . Maybe your neighbor would share the cost.
Christine
