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Invasive Plant Rules in Beaufort County, SC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Beaufort County, South Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Beaufort County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Prohibited Species

Beaufort County's Community Development Code lists six invasive tree species, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Mimosa, Paper Mulberry, Princess Tree and Tree of Heaven, that fall outside the county's protected-tree rules; any of them under 12 inches DBH can be removed permit-free, but larger specimens generally still need a removal permit.

Beaufort County Invasive Tree Species Removal Rule

Light Restrictions

Beaufort County Community Development Code § 5.11.100.G

G.Invasive Tree Species. Native Lowcountry plant species should be protected from competition from invasive tree species. Invasive tree species are listed in Table 5.11.100.C.1.All invasive species less than 12 inches DBH may be removed without a tree removal permit.2.Removal of an invasive species 12 inches DBH or greater requires a tree removal permit, see Section 7.2.50 (Tree Removal Permit)...
Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Beaufort County's Community Development Code names Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissma) an invasive tree species in Table 5.11.100.C, exempting it from the county's specimen and grand tree protections; it can be cut permit-free under 12 inches DBH, with a removal permit generally needed at that size or larger.

Beaufort County Tree of Heaven Removal Rule

Light Restrictions

Beaufort County Community Development Code § 5.11.100.G, Table 5.11.100.C

Table 5.11.100.C: Invasive Tree Species... Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissma... G.Invasive Tree Species. Native Lowcountry plant species should be protected from competition from invasive tree species. Invasive tree species are listed in Table 5.11.100.C.1.All invasive species less than 12 inches DBH may be removed without a tree removal permit.2.Removal of an invasive species 12 inches DBH or...
Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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