Ordinance could make it tough for homeowners to topple trees

Backus would like to remove the troublesome trees. He feels he better move swiftly or face long, potentially expensive delays if some on the Montgomery County Council get their way.

Council members Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich plan to introduce an ordinance that could make it more difficult for property owners to cut down a tree in their yard by requiring them to obtain a permit.

Though details are still being worked out, such an ordinance would be likely to force property owners who cut down a tree to replant others to replace the loss, Berliner said.

That would copy current regulations existing in Takoma Park and the District of Columbia.

Berliner and supporters say such an ordinance is needed to further protect the environment and public health in a county that has been heavily developed.

“We just can’t consider [trees] expendable anymore,” said West Montgomery Civic Association President Ginny Barnes.

Still, the bill is likely to spark debate over individual property rights versus environmental and public health.

Council member Nancy Floreen said Garrett Park considered a similar ordinance in that town when she was the mayor there several years ago. Residents balked, she said, suggesting her support of the bill could depend on enforcement and what she considers “reasonable regulation.”

Berliner said those details are still being worked out. He said he’s committed to coming up with “something that’s the least bureaucratic as possible but protects trees.”

Backus’ tree problems are not the only impetus behind his opposition to a tree ordinance. He bought his house in 1984 based, in part, on the fact that it’s surrounded by about 40 trees. Though he said he would never cut one down unnecessarily, he believes he should be able to cut one down if he chooses.

“The problem is, let’s say every time I have a tree taken down, I have to get a permit,” Backus said. “I don’t want to have to wait.”

cmabeus@dcexaminer.com