Tree Protection in Laurens County, SC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Laurens County, South Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

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

Heritage & Protected Trees

Unincorporated Laurens County defines a heritage tree as one the county designates for its historic, size or cultural significance, and once designated it cannot be cut down and replaced on a lesser basis: chapter 33's tree protection appendix requires a 1:1 caliper-inch replacement, so a felled 24-inch heritage tree demands 24 inches of new trees planted back.

Laurens County SC Heritage Tree Replacement Rule

Some Restrictions

Laurens County Code, Ch. 33, Appendix C(b), (f)(2)

Heritage tree. A tree designated by the political subdivision to be of notable historical significance, value, or interest because of its age, size, or cultural significance. ... (2)Protected heritage trees must be replaced at a 1:1 caliper inch ratio. For example, if you cut down a healthy 24-inch tree, you must replant 24 inches worth of new trees (i.e., eight three-inch trees, six four-inch ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Unincorporated Laurens County's tree ordinance protects any healthy hardwood 8 inches or more in diameter as a "protected tree," steps up to "specimen tree" status at 16 inches, and singles out four ornamental species, dogwood, redbud, magnolia and crape myrtle, for protection once they reach just 4 inches in diameter.

Laurens County SC Protected Tree Species Rule

Some Restrictions

Laurens County Code, Ch. 33, Appendix C(b), (c)(2)-(3)

Protected tree. A healthy hardwood tree measuring 25 inches in circumference (eight-inch diameter) or greater, as measured four and a half feet above the ground (DBH). Specimen tree. A healthy hardwood tree measuring 50 inches in circumference (16-inch diameter) or greater, as measured four and a half feet above the ground (DBH). ... (2)Ornamental trees, specifically any flowering dogwood (Corn...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Laurens County ordinances

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