Tree Protection in Raleigh, NC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
A heritage tree, a single-trunk shade tree 24 inches DBH or larger, or an understory tree 12 inches DBH or larger, can be established as an optional tree conservation area under UDO Sec. 9.1.4.E. Its critical root zone earns double credit toward a project's tree conservation requirement, but only if the tree is healthy and its root zone is fully protected on or off site.
Raleigh Heritage Trees Earn Double Credit
Some RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 9.1.4.E; Art. 12.2 (Defined Terms)
Heritage Trees A heritage tree and its critical root zone may be established as an optional tree conservation area after establishment of primary tree conservation areas. The area of critical root zone for a heritage tree conservation area shall be double credited toward the tree conservation requirement only when all of the following conditions are met. The critical root zone shall be protecte...
Protected Tree Species
Raleigh's UDO gives a champion tree absolute protection: Sec. 9.1.10.A.3 says no champion tree, including its critical root zone, may be subjected to any tree disturbing activity, even on sites over 2 acres with no recorded tree conservation area. A champion tree is one listed as the state or national record for its species under UDO Article 12.2.
Raleigh Bans All Removal Of Champion Trees
Heavy RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 9.1.10.A.3; Art. 12.2 (Defined Terms)
Applicability Any tree disturbing activity, except a minor tree removal activity, on sites 2 acres and larger in size that do not have an established or recorded tree conservation area shall meet the requirements of this section... All applicable laws, including soil erosion and sedimentation control and tree protection regulations, must be obeyed. No champion tree, including its critical root ...
Parkway Planting
Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance requires street trees along new and reconstructed streets, with placement priority, spacing, and sizing set by UDO §§ 8.4.1 and 7.2.7. Shade trees need a 3-inch caliper and 10-foot height at planting; understory trees replace them under overhead power lines, spaced every 20 feet on center. Trees must go in before the City issues a letter of final acceptance for the street.
Raleigh Street Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 8.4.1; § 7.2.7
Sec. 8.4.1: "Sidewalks, streets, and street trees must be installed and constructed in accordance with this Article and the Raleigh Street Plan Map." "Where overhead electric utilities exist, one understory tree shall be planted every 20 feet on center, on average." "All required street trees must meet the design and installation requirements of Sec. 7.2.7." Sec. 7.2.7: "All shade trees planted...
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Tree Protection in Wake County →