The City of Mount Rainier is committed to preserving a safe, healthy, and beautiful urban forest. As a reminder, tree maintenance and pruning on City property, including street trees and park trees, must follow the guidelines outlined in Section 12B-19 of the City Code.

Proper Tree Maintenance – What You Need to Know

Why We Prune Trees:
 Tree pruning helps:

• Prevent safety hazards (e.g., broken or low-hanging limbs),
• Promote tree health and structure,
• Improve visibility and clearance along sidewalks and streets,
• Enhance the overall look of City spaces.

Who Can Prune City Trees?

• No person other than the City, the City's designees including the Tree Commission, the State of Maryland, or a public utility company may prune a tree on City property.
• Any tree work (including pruning limbs or roots that extend onto private property) requires a permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or must be covered under the City's blanket permit.
• Residents and Business Owners are not permitted to prune City trees (including trees in tree boxes between the street and sidewalk) on their own.

Important Reminders:

• Tree work must be done by or supervised by a licensed tree expert.
• Pepco and other utilities may prune trees near power lines under their own blanket permits but must follow state and City standards.
• Bird nesting season (April–July) is avoided for non-emergency pruning unless a tree is deemed hazardous. 

Emergency Situations:

In the event of a hazard (e.g., a fallen limb or damaged tree threatening public safety), the City Manager may order immediate trimming without following the standard permit process.

Need Tree Work or Have a Concern?

If you notice a City tree that needs attention, or have questions about proper pruning, please contact:

Department of Public Works
Email: Programmanagerdpw@MountRainierMD.org
Phone: 301-985-6583

Thank you for helping us care for Mount Rainier’s trees responsibly and safely.