Columbia, SC Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Grand trees are one of the four categories that make a tree "protected" under Sec. 4(c)(1), and their removal gets the strictest review of that group. As part of any Tree Removal Permit application involving a grand tree, Sec. 4(e) requires the Zoning Administrator to weigh nine factors: the topography of the site, any proposed grade changes, the location of utilities and driveways, the location of the grand tree itself, any proposed replacement tree planting or transplanting offered to compensate for the loss, public safety, the tree's health, condition, and longevity, its species, and any historic, aesthetic, or exceptional quality associated with it.

This evaluation feeds directly into the Tree Removal Permit decision standards at Sec. 5(m)(4), which require an affirmative finding that removal of a grand tree "is done so only upon a finding it is in conformance with Sec. 4(e)" before the Zoning Administrator can approve the permit, deny it, or approve it with conditions. If a grand tree removal is approved, Sec. 4(e) requires replacement or mitigation in accordance with Sec. 4(c)(11): an equal or greater number of density factor units of shade trees must be planted on the site, over and above the minimum required site tree density set by Sec. 3(h). An applicant denied a grand tree removal has an optional appeal path under Sec. 4(j) to the Board of Zoning Appeals.