Existing single-family homes are exempt from Fayetteville's landscaping and tree-protection standards, so you can trim trees on your own lot without a permit. The rules apply to new development, not routine homeowner pruning.
Fayetteville's Unified Development Ordinance tree-protection standards (Sec. 30-5.B) govern landscaping and tree canopy during development. They expressly exempt existing single-family detached residential dwellings, meaning ordinary trimming and pruning of trees on an established home lot needs no city permit or arborist review. Utility providers may also trim within easements and rights-of-way. On developing or commercial sites, tree protection zones and critical root zones must be preserved per the approved plan. For street trees in the right-of-way, coordinate with the city before pruning. In the unincorporated county, no county permit is required to trim trees on your own property.
Damaging protected trees on a development site, or violating an approved tree protection plan, is a UDO violation subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties in Article 30-8.
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See how Cumberland County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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