Maryland2026Enacted
HB0035
Local Rules for Removing Invasive Trees
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law allows local governments in Maryland to make rules about specific invasive trees and create programs that reward people for removing them.
What it does
- Allows counties and cities to pass laws banning the sale or planting of tree of heaven, listed invasive trees, and invasive bamboo.
- Requires property owners to control invasive bamboo growth with barriers or trenches if local rules say so.
- Lets local governments create programs that give people money (bounties) or free native trees in exchange for removing invasive species.
- Sets civil fines as a penalty for breaking these new tree regulations.
- Requires any removal program to follow specific identification and cleanup methods from the University of Maryland.
Who it affects
- Counties and municipalities that can now create local rules about invasive trees.
- Property owners who must stop selling, planting, or allowing certain invasive trees on their land if a local rule exists.
- People participating in bounty programs to get rewards for removing specific tree species.
Limits and unknowns
- Local governments are not required to pass these rules; the law only gives them the power to do so.
- The specific fines or reward amounts depend on what each county or city decides, as this bill does not set exact numbers.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Tree of Heaven
- A nonnative, fast-growing tree that crowds out other plants and is the preferred habitat for spotted lanternflies.
- Listed Invasive Tree
- Any tree found on the Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List created by the Department of Agriculture.
- Native Tree Replacement Program
- A local program where a person gets a native tree after they remove and destroy an invasive one.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Authorizing the governing body of a county or municipality to adopt certain ordinances to regulate tree of heaven and certain invasive trees; and authorizing the governing body of a county or municipality to establish certain programs to incentivize the removal of tree of heaven and certain invasive trees.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by the Governor - Chapter 210