Raleigh, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

As the City of Oaks, Raleigh enforces robust tree protection standards under Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 9.1 (Tree Conservation) and City Code Chapter 9 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places). Routine pruning of healthy trees on private residential lots generally does not require a permit, but trimming any tree in the public right-of-way, including street trees between the curb and sidewalk, requires a Right-of-Way Work Permit from the Raleigh Urban Forestry Division. Permits are free for homeowner maintenance but require that pruning follow ANSI A300 arboricultural standards, meaning no topping, no flush cuts, and no removal of more than 25 percent of the live canopy in a single year. Trees designated as Champion Trees, Neighborhood Conservation Trees, or located within a recorded Tree Conservation Area under UDO 9.1.4 require a separate permit regardless of property ownership. The Urban Forestry Division responds to requests through the raleighnc.gov tree portal and typically approves routine applications within 5 business days. Unpermitted work on city-owned trees triggers civil penalties starting at $200 per tree plus appraised tree replacement value, which can exceed $5,000 for mature oaks. Utility line clearance performed by Duke Energy or its contractors follows a separate agreement with the City but must still notify adjacent property owners. Raleigh's tree canopy goal of 40 percent coverage citywide drives aggressive enforcement in older neighborhoods like Oakwood, Boylan Heights, and Hayes Barton.