Forsyth County, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Forsyth County, 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
- Trigger
- Land-disturbing/erosion control permit
- UDO sections
- B.3-4.2 and B.3-4.2.1
- Homeowner exemption
- Own trees, no construction
- Preservation plan
- Sealed by NC licensed pro
- Land Use team
- 336-747-7064
Summary
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County requires tree preservation on development, not on routine homeowner tree removal. Any project needing a land-disturbing (erosion control) permit must meet UDO tree-preservation standards; single homeowners doing non-construction tree work are exempt.
Any development project or building permit requiring a land disturbing permit (erosion control permit), either issued through the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Office or the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), unless otherwise exempted by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), must comply with the Tree Preservation requirements of UDO Section B.3-4.2 and B.3-4.2.1.
Full Breakdown
Under the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO, 'Any development project or building permit requiring a land-disturbing permit (erosion control permit), either issued through the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Office or the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), unless otherwise exempted by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), must comply with the Tree Preservation requirements of UDO Section B.3-4.2 and B.3-4.2.1.' If existing trees are preserved for credit, the landscape plan must be sealed by a licensed NC professional. The 2009 ordinance applies to construction/development, 'not to homeowners... on their own trees without any associated construction/development work.'
Violations & Fines
Failure to meet UDO tree-preservation, tree-save-area, or replacement standards can block issuance or approval of the land-disturbing/erosion-control permit and require replanting or plan revision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a tree-preservation review required?
Am I exempt as a homeowner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina landscaping rules overview
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