Cary, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Cary, NC, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Fence type
- orange polyethylene laminar
- Min fence height
- 4 feet
- Sign spacing
- every 300 linear ft
- Base disturbance fine
- $2,000
Summary
Cary's Land Development Ordinance requires builders to fence off and protect existing trees marked for preservation before grading begins, with signage warning workers to stay out of the protected zone.
During development of the property, the owner, developer, and/or builder shall be responsible for the erection of tree protection fencing to protect existing and/or installed vegetation from damage during development and prior to certificate of occupancy for buildings/structures... All existing trees and vegetation that are to be preserved shall be completely encircled and enclosed within a fence that meets the requirements of this Ordinance before grading begins.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Before any grading begins on a development site, LDO § 7.2.5(B)(1)-(2) makes the property owner, developer, or builder responsible for fencing off every tree and area of vegetation marked for preservation. The fence must be four-foot orange polyethylene laminar fencing, and champion trees get a protective radius of at least 1.25 feet per inch of trunk caliper. Signs reading 'TREE PROTECTION ZONE, KEEP OUT' in English and Spanish must be posted on every side of the fenced area, at least once per 300 linear feet. No construction, grading, equipment, or material storage is allowed inside the fence, which must stay up until the final site inspection before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing a fenced tree protection area without authorization triggers a $2,000 base fine under LDO § 11.5.2(B)(2)(b), plus $4 per square foot of area affected, on top of required replanting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must tree protection fencing go up in Cary?
What does a Cary tree protection sign have to say?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle tree removal & heritage trees.