Berliner to Consider Legislation on Tree Trimming in the County

A Montgomery County Council member said he’s considering drafting legislation that spells out best practices for tree trimming,

Roger Berliner (D-District 1), chairman of the council's Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, said that since there are no best practices on the books now, it might be time to delineate what is appropriate tree trimming and what is not, so Pepco and residents both know what to expect.

Pepco needs approval to cut trees on private property, but Berliner said citizens are often intimidated when they hear a tree on their property is deemed to be a risk. He said that the decision is a subjective one.

Berliner said the utility’s practice of alerting residents of plans to cut or remove trees on their property with door hanger brochures is inappropriate. If Pepco does not hear from residents within 72 hours of posting the notices on doors, it sends out crews to cut or remove the trees.

“Citizens need to understand their rights, and we as government need to protect their rights," he said.

Berliner said he wants to spell out those rights and Pepco’s responsibility in new legislation, and the council will be looking at in the future, most likely in the fall after the summer recess.