§ 1–1318
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 1-1318 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 13. Miscellaneous
§ 1–1318LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Invasive bamboo” means nonnative bamboo that is characterized by aggressive spreading behavior, including bamboo species in the genus Phyllostachys.
(3)
“Listed invasive tree” means any tree on the “Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List” posted by the Department of Agriculture.
(4)
“Native tree replacement program” means a program whereby a person receives a native tree in exchange for removing and eradicating an invasive tree.
(5)
“Tree of heaven” means the Ailanthus altissima tree species.
(b)
This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(c)
The governing body of a county or municipality, by ordinance, may regulate invasive bamboo, listed invasive trees, or trees of heaven, including by prohibiting a person from:
(1)
selling invasive bamboo, listed invasive trees, or trees of heaven;
(2)
planting invasive bamboo, listed invasive trees, or trees of heaven;
(3)
allowing invasive bamboo to grow on the property of the person without proper upkeep and appropriate containment measures, including barriers or trenches; and
(4)
allowing trees of heaven or other listed invasive trees to grow on the person’s property.
(d)
The governing body of a county or municipality may provide for the enforcement of an ordinance adopted under this section by:
(1)
requiring any damages caused by invasive bamboo, listed invasive trees, or trees of heaven to be mitigated; and
(2)
establishing a civil fine.
(e)
The governing body of a county or municipality may establish a bounty or native tree replacement program to incentivize the removal and eradication of trees of heaven and other listed invasive trees.
(f)
A bounty or native tree replacement program established by a county or municipality shall require:
(1)
an invasive tree to be properly identified consistent with the species page published by the University of Maryland agriculture extension; and
(2)
the invasive species, after being properly identified, to be removed or eradicated according to professionally accepted methods or consistent with methodology on the species page published by the University of Maryland agriculture extension.