Tree Protection in Raleigh, NC (2026)
6 verified tree protection rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Raleigh has strong tree protection regulations under UDO Article 9.1 (Tree Conservation). Trees over a certain caliper size on development sites are protected and may require mitigation if removed. For individual residential properties, the city regulates tree removal particularly in protected overlay areas. Raleigh's Urban Forestry division manages tree permits and requires replacement plantings or payment into the tree fund when significant trees are removed during development.
Raleigh Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Raleigh protects specimen and heritage trees through the UDO tree conservation provisions. Large, mature trees of significant size are given special protection during the development review process. Trees meeting specimen-size thresholds (typically 24+ inches DBH depending on species) require a higher level of review before removal is permitted. The city's tree conservation standards prioritize retention of large existing trees on development sites.
Raleigh Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Raleigh's UDO requires replacement plantings when protected trees are removed during development. The replacement ratio depends on the size and species of the removed tree. Developers must submit a tree conservation plan showing existing trees, proposed removals, and replacement plantings. Where on-site replacement is not feasible, developers may contribute to Raleigh's tree conservation fund as an alternative.
Raleigh Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Raleigh has one of the strongest tree protection ordinances in North Carolina under UDO Article 9.1, requiring preservation of existing trees, permits for removal of any protected tree over 10 inches in diameter, and replacement plantings on development sites. The city's Tree Conservation Permit is required before any tree larger than 10 inches DBH is removed, with fines up to $25,000 for illegal removals plus replacement costs.
Tree Ordinances in Raleigh
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Raleigh's Tree Conservation Ordinance under City Code Ch. 8 §10-2082 designates protected species including white oak, willow oak, and longleaf pine, requiring permits and replacement when removal is proposed on developed properties.
Protected Tree Species
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
Raleigh requires approved street tree species and spacing on planting strips between sidewalk and curb, coordinated by the Urban Forestry Division to maintain canopy continuity along city corridors and traditional neighborhoods.
Street Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Tree Protection in Wake County →