The City of College Park’s new tree protection program could lead to fines of up to $1,000 per tree.

Under the tree protection ordinance passed earlier this month, residents are required to obtain a permit to cut down a tree on residential property if its trunk has a circumference between 36 inches and 80 inches.

There’s a $500 fine for cutting down a tree without a permit, and another $500 fine for failing to plant a replacement tree.

Exceptions are made for trees that are diseased or dead, pose a hazard, are invasive species, are close to a home or utilities, would prevent an addition to the home or are otherwise determined to harm the property in some way.

The program comes as cities and the state are struggling to restore and expand the tree canopy, to fight climate change and improve public health.

One recent study found the city of Hyattsville lost 30 percent of its tree canopy between 2009 and 2018 — enough to cover Driskell Park in shade seven times.

Trees are lost due to new development, invasive species, and simply older trees dying or being cut down and not replaced. In recent years, older white oak trees along the Route 1 corridor have died at a faster than normal rate, possibly due to unusual weather related to climate change.

If you would like to plant a shade tree on your property, Hyattsville will reimburse you up to $50; College Park, up to $150; and University Park, up to $300. In Riverdale Park, you can request a tree be planted between the curb and sidewalk in front of your home.

You can also take advantage of the Rain Check Rebate for Prince George’s County, which provides residents of the county a $150 rebate for planting a native tree on a residential property.

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