Politics & Government
Want to Cut Down a Montgomery County Tree? Pay to Plant 3 More
Council members say legislation will protect the county's tree canopy.
By Whitney Teal
The trees will get their vengeance. And then some. A pair of bills passed Tuesday by the Montgomery County Council, aimed at preserving the county’s tree canopy, will soon require resident and business to pay to plant three trees for every one tree they cut down.
The bills take effect March 1, 2014 and do not apply to Pepco or other utility companies working in the county.
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The first bill regulates trees along county roads, The Gazette reported. A $135 local permit will be required for roadside tree work. In addition, you’ll have to pay the county to plant three more trees—$250 for shade trees and $150 for ornamental trees.
Councilwoman Nancy Floreen (D-At large) of Garrett Park was one of two council members who did not vote for the bill, calling it “unnecessary legislation,” The Gazette reported. Councilman George Leventhal (D-At large) of Takoma Park also voted no.
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A bill to protect tree cover on privately owned lots under 40,000 square feet passed unanimously Tuesday, The Gazette reported. Residents and business owners will have to pay between $750 and $3,750 to replant new shade trees when old ones are removed.
“Today is a big day for everyone who loves trees,” Councilman Roger Berliner (D-Dist 1) of Potomac said in a news release. “The Council has passed two major pieces of legislation that together protect trees in our County rights of way and preserve our tree canopy. The bills reflect the extraordinary importance of trees to our residents, and the environmental, aesthetic and economic value they add to our quality of life in Montgomery County.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
