Asheville, NC Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Section 7-2-5 sets the size threshold that makes a tree a "heritage tree" in Asheville: 30 inches in diameter for a large-maturing species, 24 inches for a medium-maturing species, or 15 inches for a small-maturing species, provided the tree is in fair or better condition on private property within the city limits; a tree that poses a medium-to-high risk that can't be mitigated is excluded even if it meets the size cutoff. That designation matters at two points in the development process. 4 (or its measured canopy, if larger), rewarding builders who design around an existing heritage tree rather than clearing it.

Second, removal is not free of consequence: any removal of a tree within an established tree canopy protection area or a steep-slope or aquatic-buffer zone requires a tree removal permit under Section 7-19-6(a), and Section 7-19-6(b)(1)f specifically requires that, when removing a heritage tree, a replanting plan show installation of tree canopy equivalent to 200 percent of the canopy area being removed. City staff must approve or deny a removal permit application within ten business days, and a denial can be appealed under Section 7-6-2.

Section 7-19-7(c)(2) backs the permit standard with an enforcement rule: on top of any civil penalty assessed, a violator who removes a heritage tree must still install replacement canopy equal to 200 percent of the canopy that was removed.