Tree Protection in Charlotte, NC (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Charlotte, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Charlotte requires a tree removal permit for the removal of heritage trees (defined as trees 24 inches DBH or greater for most species, or 30 inches DBH for certain species). The permit application costs $265, and an additional $500 removal fee applies. Tree removal must be approved by Charlotte's Urban Forestry division. Unauthorized removal of protected trees results in significant penalties.
Charlotte Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Charlotte's Tree Ordinance (Chapter 21) provides strong protections for heritage trees. A heritage tree is generally defined as any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater (30 inches for certain fast-growing species). Heritage trees cannot be removed without city approval and a tree planting commitment. The ordinance applies to both development sites and individual residential properties.
Charlotte Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Charlotte requires replacement planting when heritage trees are removed. The tree replacement ratio and specific requirements are determined during the permit review process. For development projects, the UDO (Article 20) requires tree mitigation through replanting on-site, planting off-site, or contributing to the city's tree fund. The goal is to maintain Charlotte's urban tree canopy at or above target levels.
Charlotte Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
Charlotte's tree canopy program prioritizes plantings in historically lower-canopy, lower-income neighborhoods identified by equity mapping. TreesCharlotte and the city run free yard-tree giveaways and right-of-way plantings in target areas.
Canopy equity targets low-tree neighborhoods
Few RestrictionsLooking for Mecklenburg County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charlotte city rules.
Tree Protection in Mecklenburg County →