Fayetteville, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fayetteville, 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
- Unlawful removal
- Inch-for-inch replacement
- Replanting deadline
- 12 months from notice
- Specimen removal fee
- $50 per caliper inch
- Credited tree death
- Replace if dead within 24 months
- Public tree damage
- Appraised value billed to violator
Summary
Fayetteville requires inch-for-inch replacement of trees damaged or unlawfully removed, replanted within 12 months. Approved specimen tree removal costs $50 per caliper inch into the city tree fund. Credited preserved trees that die within 24 months must be replaced.
In addition, trees damaged or unlawfully removed shall be replaced with one or more replacement trees, measuring inch-for-inch to the tree(s) removed. The replacement trees shall be replanted within 12 months of the notice.
Full Breakdown
Three replacement duties run through the UDO. Trees damaged or removed without a Clear-Cutting Permit, or in violation of its conditions, must be replaced with trees measuring inch-for-inch to those removed and replanted within 12 months of the notice. Approved removal of a specimen tree of 30 inches caliper or more costs $50 per caliper inch paid into the city tree fund. A preserved tree credited toward landscaping requirements that dies within 24 months of landscape project completion must be replaced with the full number of trees it was credited for, at the minimum sizes set for new plantings.
Violations & Fines
Failure to replant within the required window continues the violation under article 30-8. Injury to a public tree is billed at appraised value using the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if trees are cleared without a permit?
What is the specimen tree removal fee?
What if a preserved tree dies after construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fayetteville
Compare Fayetteville to another location·View the North Carolina landscaping rules overview
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