Greenville County, SC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit to prune own tree
- Not required
- Governing standard
- LDR 13.6 tree/landscape standards
- Protected trees
- Those on Tree Protection Plan
- Maintenance duty
- Owner maintains buffer plantings
- Right-of-way trees
- Coordinate with county/utility
Summary
Greenville County has no general ordinance requiring a permit to prune trees on your own private lot. County tree standards apply to new development and to trees preserved under an approved Tree Protection Plan; buffer and screening plantings must be maintained by the property owner.
At a minimum, the Greenville County Tree ordinance standards must be met. However, overall composition and location of landscaping shall complement the scale of the development and its surroundings.
Full Breakdown
For an established single-family lot, Greenville County does not require a permit to trim your own trees. The county's tree standards (Land Development Regulations, Section 13.6, and the county Tree Ordinance) govern trees planted or preserved as part of a development, subdivision, or required buffer. Where trees are preserved to satisfy the tree ordinance or a required buffer, they are shown on an approved Tree Protection Plan and may not be removed or heavily altered without approval. Required screening and landscape areas must be kept alive and maintained. Trees in a public right-of-way or utility easement may need coordination with the county or the utility. Cities within the county set their own street-tree and pruning rules.
Violations & Fines
Damaging or removing a tree required by an approved Tree Protection Plan or buffer can require replacement and trigger land-development enforcement by the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to trim a tree in my yard?
Who maintains required landscape buffers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greenville County
Compare Greenville County to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.