Tree Protection in Delaware (2026)

4 rules on the books across Delaware, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Heritage & Protected Trees

Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.

New Castle County

Some Restrictions

New Castle County has no separate heritage-tree ordinance. Its closest protection is the specimen-tree rule in the…

Read full rule →

Protected Tree Species

Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.

New Castle County

Some Restrictions

New Castle County's development code protects "specimen trees", healthy, non-invasive trees above set size thresholds…

Read full rule →

Parkway Planting

Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.

New Castle County

Some Restrictions

New developments in unincorporated New Castle County must plant street trees along road rights-of-way at a set rate per…

Read full rule →

Wilmington

Some Restrictions

Wilmington requires a written permit from the department of public works before planting, removing, pruning, or root…

Read full rule →