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Tree Maintenance:

Rockville values its trees and forests because of the many benefits they provide to the community. The City will remove trees that are dead,
diseased, severely damaged, or pose a risk to public safety. They will only remove trees that are on city property.

The City of Rockville is responsible for:
–  Maintaining/operating all public open space and public parks – trees in city parks
–  Maintaining City trees and removal, if necessary (street trees located between the curb and sidewalk)

To determine the ownership of a tree, contact the Forestry Department:

(240) 314-8700
[email protected]
14625 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 

Report a Down or Damaged City Tree:
  • To report a tree 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.
Trees on Private Property:
  • If a tree is on private property and at risk for damaging your property or a risk for public safety, call Code Enforcement at 240-314-8330.

 

Tree Removal:

If you have a tree on your property that you would like to remove, a Design Review Application is required. Please complete the DRA and include all of the required information, including: your property plat, location of the tree(s), reason for removal, picture(s) of the current tree, the contractor you will use to remove the tree, and proposed replacement.

Once you receive approval you will need to obtain a ‘Tree Removal Permit‘ from The City of Rockville: Significant Tree Removal Permit

Please visit the DNR website or click the button above to view a list of tree experts and arborists in the Rockville area.

 

Tree Removal/Replacement Memo From The Community Architect:

When a resident proposes removal of a tree “with a diameter in excess of 4 inches, measured 12 inches above the ground, or flowering tree in excess of 2 inches” per Equity Resolution No. 1 & No. 6, the removal shall be mitigated by one or more of the following:

  1. Planting another tree matching existing in the same or alternate location.
  2. Planting another/alternate tree (i.e. compact/smaller species tree) in the same or alternate location.
  3. Planting medium/large size shrub(s) type landscaping.
  4. Planting a group of small shrubs (cluster planting of 3 shrubs or more).

New/Replacement trees and shrubs shall meet the following criteria:

  1. Size: Size shall be equal or larger than that required by the home builders at initial construction.
    • Small shrubs shall be 24-30” tall at time of planting.
    • Medium/large shrubs shall be 30-36” tall at time of planting.
    • Trees shall be 6-8’ tall at time of planting.
  2. Invasive Species: Trees and shrubs shall be selected to avoid those found on Rockville and Maryland Department of Agriculture Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland invasive species list: http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/index.html & www.rockvillemd.gov/environment/stewardship/invasives.html

Please click here to read the full memo.

Homeowner Tree Guide and Maintenance:

Per Equity Resolution No. 6:

Trees in front, side or any portion of lot visible from street shall be maintained through normal and routine seasonal measures.

  • Trees should be trimmed and pruned to avoid an unkempt appearance or hazard.
  • Apron or bed around a tree or adjacent trees not covered by grass or plantings is recommended to be covered by mulch.
  • Bed areas should be kept free of weeds.
  • No tree shall obstruct pathways, sidewalks, or site lines necessary for pedestrian or automotive safety;
    • or as may be determined by the King Farm Architectural Design Trust.
  • No live trees with a diameter in excess of 4″, measured 12″ above
    ground, or flowering trees in excess of 2″ similarly measured may be removed from a Lot without application to and approval by
    the Community Architect and the ADT through a DRA.
  • One tree may be added to a single-family house lot without design review.
    • A letter must be submitted to management notifying them of the tree installation.
  • No live trees may be removed from the Community Property without application to and approval by the City;
    • in accordance with the City’s Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance and;
    • any conservation easements that may now or hereafter be granted by the City in connection with afforestation.

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