Maryland yard rules, in plain English
The state rules that change what a yard job costs, who can do it, or whether it needs a permit. Each guide links to the official source and says when we last checked it.
Tree removal in Maryland: licences and permitsAnyone paid to cut, trim or remove trees in Maryland needs a state Tree Expert licence. Trees by the road and near tidal water need permission too. Here's what to check before the work starts.Maryland’s lawn fertilizer lawNo lawn fertilizer from November 16 to March 1, no phosphorus without a soil test, and keep it 10 to 15 feet from water. Anyone you pay to fertilize your lawn must be certified by the state.Montgomery County’s lawn pesticide lawIn most of Montgomery County, only organic or minimum-risk pesticides can be used on lawns, playgrounds and childcare grounds. There are exemptions for things like invasive weeds and insects that bite or sting.Stormwater rebates for Maryland yardsTwo Maryland counties pay homeowners back for rain gardens, rain barrels, conservation landscaping and similar projects: up to $7,500 in Montgomery County and $6,000 in Prince George's. Most projects must be approved before you start.Yard work near the water: the Critical AreaLand within 1,000 feet of Maryland's tidal waters has its own rules. Patios, walkways and gravel count toward a limit on how much of your lot can be covered, and within 100 feet of the water almost nothing can be cleared.
The first guides are being checked. Come back soon.
