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Limbwright Tree Removal Services
Neat stack of cut logs beside a house while a worker rakes the lawn

Takoma Park, Maryland

Tree Removal and Tree Service in Takoma Park

Takoma Park protects any tree with a trunk 24 inches or more around at 4.5 feet, about 7 5/8 inches in diameter, as an urban forest tree. Removing one needs a city permit, and digging or regrading within 50 feet of one needs a tree impact assessment first.

Call (844) 955-1716
County
Montgomery
Tree rules
Takoma Park Code Chapter 12.12, Urban Forest; Urban Forest Manager; Tree Commission
Key local rule
Permit to remove urban forest trees, 24 inches or more in circumference; tree impact assessment for work within 50 feet
Electric utility
Pepco
Main hazards
Old oaks and tulip poplars on small lots, summer derechos, construction near roots

Which Takoma Park trees are protected?

Any tree measuring 24 inches or more in circumference at 4.5 feet above the ground, or 7 5/8 inches or more in diameter, is an urban forest tree. Trees required by a government order or agreement, or planted with government funding or through a government program, are also covered regardless of size.

Removal
Permit from the Urban Forest Manager.
Nearby work
Tree impact assessment for grading or digging within 50 feet.
Dead trees
Still need an application, handled more simply.

A tree city by choice

Takoma Park has some of the strongest private tree protections in Maryland, and its residents have defended its canopy for decades. Victorian and bungalow neighborhoods sit under oaks, tulip poplars and beeches that tower over small houses, with Sligo Creek running through the city's wooded stream valley.

The 50-foot assessment rule means many ordinary home projects, a new patio, a garage, a drainage trench, need the Urban Forest Manager's review if a protected tree is nearby, including one on a neighbor's lot.

The June 2012 derecho brought down large trees across Takoma Park and left much of the region without power.

Crew cutting a felled trunk into logs on a lawn
Image for illustration.

Permits, assessments and appeals

A tree impact assessment is required before land-disturbing activity within 50 feet of an urban forest tree, such as raising or lowering grade or excavating more than three inches deep over an area larger than 25 square feet. Skipping it is a Class AA municipal infraction.

When the Urban Forest Manager gives preliminary approval or denial of a removal or tree protection plan permit, a 15-day appeal period begins and the decision is posted. If anyone appeals, the Tree Commission holds a hearing.

Is it an urban forest tree?

Trunk circumference at 4.5 feetApproximate diameterStatus
Under 24 inchesUnder 7 5/8 inchesNot an urban forest tree, unless government-required or funded
24 inches7 5/8 inchesUrban forest tree
60 inchesAbout 19 inchesUrban forest tree
100 inchesAbout 32 inchesUrban forest tree

City documents phrase the line as 24 inches or more in some places and greater than 24 in others. Ask the Urban Forest Manager if a tree is right at the line.

Signs worth reporting to an arborist

  • Tulip poplars with dead upper limbs

    Prone to dropping heavy wood in summer storms.

  • Oak leaves browning in late summer

    Bacterial leaf scorch is common in the region.

  • Cut roots from recent construction

    Decline can follow for years.

  • Ash thinning

    Emerald ash borer.

Removing an urban forest tree

  1. Measure circumference

    At 4.5 feet.

  2. Apply

    With photos and, for healthy trees, the reason for removal.

  3. Preliminary decision

    Posted with a 15-day appeal window.

  4. Tree Commission

    Only if someone appeals.

  5. Removal and replacement

    As the permit requires.

Takoma Park tree questions

Does a neighbor's tree affect my project?

Yes. The tree impact assessment rule applies to work within 50 feet of any urban forest tree, including one on an adjoining property.

Can neighbors appeal my removal permit?

Yes. Preliminary decisions are posted with a 15-day appeal period, after which a Tree Commission hearing may be held.

Does Montgomery County's tree law apply too?

Takoma Park has its own urban forest code. County rules for development may also apply to larger projects.

Who do I contact?

The city's Urban Forest Manager in Public Works.

Is there a charge for a Takoma Park tree application?

The city's application form lists separate amounts for living and dead trees. Check the current form before applying.

Montgomery County and DC pages

Reach a tree service in Takoma Park

Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Takoma Park area, or leave your number and one will call you back.

(844) 955-1716

Call availability varies by area and time of day

Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works

Call now

Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.

(844) 955-1716Call now

Call availability varies by area and time of day

Call (844) 955-1716
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