Raleigh, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Raleigh's tree removal rules are among the most stringent in the Southeast United States. Under UDO Section 9.1, any tree 10 inches diameter at breast height (DBH, measured 4.5 feet above grade) or larger on commercial, multifamily, institutional, or undeveloped residential lots is a regulated tree requiring a Tree Impact Permit before removal. Single-family residential lots of one-half acre or less are generally exempt except for trees within Tree Conservation Areas, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts (such as Oakwood and Boylan Heights), or street trees in the public right-of-way. All public street tree removal requires approval from the Urban Forestry Division regardless of lot size. Applications go through the Raleigh Permit Portal and require a site survey showing tree species, DBH, condition, and reason for removal. The Urban Forestry staff inspects the tree within 10 business days and may require a certified arborist report for contested removals. Permits cost $50 for residential lots and $250 for commercial. Replacement is mandatory: for every regulated tree removed, two replacement trees (minimum 2-inch caliper) from the approved species list must be planted on site within 90 days, or a payment-in-lieu of $350 per tree may be made to the Raleigh Tree Fund. Emergency removals after storm damage do not require advance permits but must be reported within 72 hours. Unauthorized removal triggers civil penalties of $250 per inch of DBH plus restoration costs, which can exceed $10,000 for a mature willow oak.