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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Heritage class
Grand tree
Threshold
24-inch DBH or larger, incl. pine
Development removal
Mitigation required
Home lots
Non-pine Grand trees protected
State heritage law
None

Summary

Dorchester County protects Grand trees, its heritage class: any tree 24 inches DBH or larger, including pine. Grand trees may be removed only by permit, and in development only with mitigation. Big live oaks are the classic Grand tree.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Dorchester County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A tree of special value due to its age and stature is deemed of irreplaceable value to Dorchester County. Trees twenty-four inches (24") in DBH or greater, including pine, shall be considered Grand trees and protected by Dorchester County under this Ordinance.

Source: South Carolina Code of LawsView official code

Full Breakdown

Dorchester County's tree ordinance singles out the Grand tree, a tree of special value due to its age and stature, as irreplaceable. Any tree 24 inches DBH or greater, including pine, qualifies, and Grand trees carry the county's strongest protection. In development they may be removed only with mitigation, cannot be cleared for parking, and must be individually surveyed. The protection reaches even occupied single-family lots for non-pine Grand trees, so a mature live oak cannot simply be cut. South Carolina has no statewide heritage-tree statute, so the county ordinance, and Summerville's stricter town rules, are the source of protection.

Violations & Fines

Removing or destroying a Grand tree without a permit violates the ordinance and can require mitigation planting. Damaging a protected tree during construction risks stop-work orders and replacement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Grand tree in Dorchester County?
Any tree 24 inches DBH or larger, including pine. Grand trees are the county's most protected class and may be removed only by permit, with mitigation in development.
Can I remove a large live oak in my yard?
Not freely. A non-pine Grand tree stays protected even on a single-family lot, so removing a 24-inch live oak requires a county Tree Removal Permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dorchester County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsProtected Tree SpeciesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingFew Restrictions

All Dorchester County rules

Compare Dorchester County to another location·View the South Carolina tree protection overview

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