Sediment and erosion control
Harford County requires new development that disturbs more than 5,000 square feet of ground to address sediment control. Larger clearing and grading projects often need an approved erosion and sediment control plan before work begins. In practice, this means silt fence, stabilized construction entrances and prompt seeding or mulching of bare soil.
If you're building, your builder or engineer usually prepares the plan. Our job is to install and follow what it calls for. If you're just clearing, we'll tell you whether your disturbed area is likely to trigger requirements.
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area
Land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters and tidal wetlands falls under Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Critical Area program, which limits clearing and development near the shoreline. In Harford County, that can include properties near the Bush River, the Gunpowder, the Susquehanna and the Bay itself.
Forest conservation
Clearing forest as part of a development project can trigger Maryland Forest Conservation Act requirements, including forest stand delineations and replanting or retention. These usually apply to subdivision and development review rather than a homeowner clearing brush, but it's worth asking before large-scale clearing.
Licensed tree work
In Maryland, tree removal and trimming for hire must be performed by a business with a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Ask any company for its license number before work starts.
Before you dig: Miss Utility
Any excavation, grading or stump pulling near buried utilities needs a Miss Utility locate first. We handle the call when our work involves digging.
Town of Bel Air and HOAs
Properties inside the Town of Bel Air or in an HOA may have their own rules on tree removal and grading. Check before work starts. We're happy to look at any paperwork you've received.