Tree Trimming: Charlotte vs Cornelius

Mecklenburg County follows NC common-law self-help rules for tree trimming. A property owner may trim branches and roots that cross the property line up to the boundary, at their own expense, without harming the tree. HOAs commonly impose stricter rules.

Cornelius regulates tree trimming through its Tree Preservation standards in the Land Development Code. Homeowners may prune their own trees, but protected specimen trees and street trees require coordination with the Town arborist.