Landscaping Rules in Horry County, SC (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Horry County, South Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

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

Tree Trimming

Horry County does not require a permit to prune most private trees, but it is unlawful to injure a Specimen Live Oak (24-inch DBH or larger). During development, preserved trees must be protected inside their dripline root-protection zone under the zoning ordinance.

Horry County: Don't Injure Protected Live Oaks; Prune Freely Otherwise

Some Restrictions

Horry County Zoning Ord. App. B, art. V, § 505(D)

Preserved trees must be protected from damages during development. Protective Devices shall be installed surrounding the dripline of the preserved tree and must be kept free of construction materials, vehicles or debris.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

It is unlawful in Horry County to remove a Specimen Live Oak with a trunk 24 inches DBH or greater without authorization. Removal generally needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and mitigation (replacement trees or a fee in lieu) applies.

Horry County: Removing a Specimen Live Oak Requires Authorization

Heavy Restrictions

Horry County Zoning Ord. App. B, art. V, § 505(B)

It is unlawful to injure, participate in, authorize, or cause the removal of any Specimen Live Oak (DBH of twenty-four (24) inches or greater). Authorization to do so shall come from: A variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Weed Ordinances

In unincorporated Horry County, uncultivated grass and weeds over twelve inches are 'unsightly growth' and a common nuisance under the county's Junk, Debris and Common Nuisance Ordinance (Chapter 10). Owners in platted major residential subdivisions must keep lots clear or face county abatement.

Horry County: Grass and Weeds Over 12 Inches Are a Nuisance

Some Restrictions

Horry County Code ch. 10, art. II (Ord. No. 50-01)

Unsightly growth means any growth of grass, weeds, or herbaceous or woody plant growth, other than trees or shrubs, that is uncultivated and exceeds twelve (12) inches in length.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Horry County ordinances

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