Which law was passed in 1914 to protect trees near roadways and utility facilities?

• A. Maryland roadside tree law
• B. Maryland urban forestry act
• C. Maryland road safety statute
• D. Maryland forest protection act

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that this law targets trees that sit within the road corridor and around utility facilities, not trees in forests or in urban parks. The Maryland roadside tree law, enacted in 1914, was designed to protect those roadside trees by regulating their removal and requiring proper authorization before any cutting or disturbance within the right-of-way. It established responsibilities for landowners and authorities, aiming to balance public safety and the community’s interest in preserving shade, erosion control, and the visual appeal of the road network.

This law is distinct from others that might address urban forestry programs, general road safety, or broad forest protections. An urban forestry act would focus on city-managed trees within urban and suburban settings, a road safety statute would be about vehicle and highway safety measures, and a forest protection act would cover broader forest management rather than the specific roadside-infrastructure context.