Dorchester County, SC Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

4(c) of the Zoning and Land Development Standards sets out the general criteria that constitute grounds for a Tree Removal Permit in Dorchester County regardless of use or zone. Alongside hazardous, diseased, or structurally damaging trees, item (7) of that list singles out species: trees determined to be illegal, invasive, or generally poor quality that are of the following species are grounds for removal: Sweet Gum, Bradford Pear, and River Birch. The provision also opens the door to additional species beyond that named list, allowing removal of any other invasive species that is certified as such by a Landscape Architect or Certified Arborist and approved by the Zoning Administrator.

2 does not receive the same protection as a native hardwood of the same size, because its species alone satisfies the removal criteria. 4(b): filing an application at least three business days before removal, allowing the Zoning Administrator or a designee to inspect the site, and marking trees approved for cutting with engineer's tape. The permit is valid for six months once issued. For species not on the named list, the applicant carries the burden of obtaining certification from a Landscape Architect or Certified Arborist holding a county business license before the Zoning Administrator will approve removal on invasive-species grounds.