Tree Protection in Durham, NC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Durham, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Durham regulates tree removal through its UDO and the Durham City-County Landscape Manual. Permits may be required for removing significant trees on development sites. The UDO requires tree preservation plans as part of the development review process. Removal of trees in public right-of-way requires city approval. Residential property owners generally may remove trees on their own property without a permit, but replacement may be required on development sites.
Durham Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Durham's Landscape Manual and UDO provide protections for significant and specimen trees on development sites. Trees of a certain caliper (typically 24 inches DBH or greater) receive additional protection during the development review process. While Durham does not have a standalone heritage tree ordinance, large specimen trees are considered during site plan review and their preservation is encouraged through the landscaping requirements.
Durham Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Durham requires tree replacement on development sites when protected trees are removed. The Durham City-County Landscape Manual specifies replacement ratios based on the size and species of trees removed. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements and be from an approved species list. Credits may be given for preserving existing trees that exceed the minimum canopy requirements.