Have you gotten a notice about tree work near your home in Kensington or seen crews trimming around the lines? It can be confusing to know who is in charge, whether you need a permit, and what your options are. You want to protect your trees and keep power reliable, without getting stuck in red tape. In this guide, you’ll learn how pruning and removal near power lines works in Kensington, what permits apply, typical timelines, and how to respond if you get a utility notice. Let’s dive in.

Who controls tree work in Kensington

In Maryland, any work on a tree in a public road right of way requires a Roadside Tree Permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. That rule applies to homeowners, utilities, and towns. You can review the program details on the Maryland DNR Roadside Tree Program page. Maryland DNR Roadside Tree Program

Utilities like Pepco trim and remove vegetation to meet state reliability rules set by the Maryland Public Service Commission. Those rules specify minimum clearances and routine trim cycles. COMAR vegetation management standards

Kensington reviews utility proposals in the Town right of way, often using independent ISA arborists, and requires one-to-one replacement for public ROW removals. Town of Kensington tree pruning information

Where permits apply

A DNR Roadside Tree Permit is required for planting, pruning, or removing any tree in a public road right of way. This includes work proposed by you, the Town, or a utility. Not sure if your tree is in the ROW? If the trunk touches the ROW, it is considered a roadside tree. Contact Town staff or Montgomery County DOT/MC311 to verify a boundary. DNR roadside tree forms and guidance

Montgomery County manages county ROW trees and has its own review process when county-maintained streets are involved, but the County notes that line-clearance trimming by utilities is regulated by the PSC. Montgomery County DOT tree information

Utility trimming rules near lines

Utilities must keep safe clearance around electric lines and follow set trim cycles. COMAR rules require specific minimum clearances by voltage class, including examples such as 15 feet radial clearance for certain higher-voltage circuits at the time of trimming. COMAR vegetation management standards

When trimming would remove a large portion of a tree’s crown, removal is often recommended. Kensington cites guidance that if required pruning would remove about 25 percent or more of the crown, removal may be proposed even if the tree is otherwise healthy. The Town may review these proposals and seek independent arborist input. Town of Kensington tree pruning information

If you get a utility notice

• Ask for the DNR Roadside Tree Permit number and a copy of the plan.
• Confirm whether the Town reviewed the proposal and if an independent arborist weighed in.
• Ask about replacement options if a public ROW tree is slated for removal.
• Clarify whether the tree is in the public ROW or on private property.

Kensington posts updates and contact information when Pepco work is scheduled. Kensington Pepco pruning notices

Doing your own tree work

If you plan work in the public ROW, you must secure the DNR Roadside Tree Permit. Commercial work must be performed under a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Maryland DNR Roadside Tree Program

If your project affects county ROW trees or is tied to construction, Montgomery County may require a Roadside Tree Plan as part of its permit process. Expect coordination with DNR and possible protection or replacement conditions. Montgomery County DPS roadside tree plan

Timelines to expect

• DNR Roadside Tree Permit: State OneStop shows a typical processing estimate of about 14 days, though timing depends on workload. DNR OneStop permit estimate
• Montgomery County DPS roadside tree plan review: often 2 to 3 weeks from submittal. Montgomery County DPS roadside tree plan
• County removal backlogs: routine county ROW removals can take months based on staffing and volume. Montgomery County DOT tree information

Private trees and easements

If a tree is on private property and there is no utility easement, the utility generally must negotiate with you. If an easement exists, the easement terms and state rules guide what the utility can do. Kensington notes that private trees are outside Town jurisdiction, so you should work directly with the utility and reference the DNR process if roadside permits are involved. Town of Kensington tree pruning information

Replacements and replanting

Kensington requires one-to-one replacement for trees removed from the public ROW. The Town offers approved species lists, including options suitable for planting under power lines. Confirm who is responsible for planting and what species are approved in the permit conditions or Town notices. Town of Kensington tree pruning information

Quick Kensington checklist

• Confirm location: ask the Town or MC311 if the trunk sits in the public ROW.
• If you get a Pepco notice: request the DNR permit number, ask about Town review and arborist findings, and confirm replacement options.
• For private trees: check for easements. If none, negotiate with the utility. If an easement exists, ask for the legal basis and any alternatives.
• If you plan work in the ROW: obtain the DNR permit and, if required, a County roadside tree plan. Hire a Licensed Tree Expert.
• Keep records: photos, notices, permit numbers, arborist reports, and contacts.
• Emergencies: call Pepco’s 24-hour outage line at 1-877-737-2662 and avoid downed wires. You can also find County emergency guidance via MC311. MC311 outage guidance

What this means for buyers and sellers

Tree status can affect value, curb appeal, and future maintenance. If you are evaluating a Kensington property, ask whether any trees near power lines are in the public ROW, whether a utility has proposed work, and if replacement obligations apply. Check for recorded utility easements on private property, and keep copies of any DNR permits or Town correspondence.

If you are preparing to sell, gather documents now. Buyers appreciate clarity on planned trimming, permits, and any required replacements. If you are buying, budget time for any pending utility work and understand how replacement species under lines may differ from larger canopy choices elsewhere.

Ready to talk through tree questions as you plan a move in Kensington? Connect with the Dana Rice Group for clear, local guidance that keeps your sale or purchase on track.

FAQs

Who can cut down a tree in the public right of way in Kensington?

• Work in the public ROW requires a Maryland DNR Roadside Tree Permit, and utilities coordinate with the Town on municipal ROW trees under state PSC vegetation rules. DNR Roadside Tree Program

What drives Pepco to remove instead of prune near power lines?

• If required pruning would remove about 25 percent or more of the crown, removal is often recommended, and utilities must also meet PSC clearance standards by voltage class. Town guidance | COMAR standards

How long do tree permits take around Kensington and Montgomery County?

• DNR permits often process in about 14 days and County roadside tree plan reviews often take 2 to 3 weeks, with longer timelines for non-emergency county removals. DNR OneStop | County DPS

Will my street tree be replaced if it is removed from the public right of way in Kensington?

• The Town states it requires one-to-one replacement for public ROW removals and offers approved species lists, including options under power lines. Town replacement policy

Who handles disputes about proposed utility tree work near lines in Kensington?

• Start by confirming tree location and contacting the Town; you can request DNR permit details and pursue a DNR review or appeal if needed. DNR forms and process