Auburn, AL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Section 424 of the Zoning Ordinance sets the bar for a specimen tree: 24-inch DBH or larger for hardwoods like oaks and hickories, 30-inch DBH or larger for conifers such as pines and cedars, and 4-inch DBH or larger for understory trees like dogwoods and redbuds. A smaller tree still qualifies if it is a rare or unusual species, has historical significance, or is part of a mature, high-value stand. 02): a physical barrier at least a radius in feet equal to its DBH in inches (minimum 8 feet), fenced with orange laminar or chain-link material at least 4 feet high and posted with "Tree Protection" or "Keep Out" signage before any grading, clearing or construction begins.

Developers earn Tree Preservation Credit toward their required tree-inch totals for every specimen tree successfully saved (Section 423), and that credit doubles under Section 424 when the design specifically incorporates the tree as a feature. If a specimen tree shown for preservation on the Landscape Plan is cleared or removed anyway, Section 423 requires replacement trees equal to the full inch-credit that had been assigned to it. These protections attach through the City's site-plan, clearing-and-grubbing, and building-permit review under Section 428, so they apply when a lot is being developed or redeveloped, not as a blanket restriction on trees on already-built residential lots.