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

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

Key Facts

Specimen tree threshold
30 inches caliper
Removal fee
$50 per caliper inch
Champion trees
City Arborist permission required
Survey trigger
Trees 30 inches or greater
Exempt
Existing single-family detached dwellings

Summary

Fayetteville protects trees of 30 inches caliper or larger as specimen trees during development, and bars pruning or removal of state and national champion trees without the City Arborist's permission. Existing single-family detached homes are exempt from these standards.

No tree listed in the North Carolina Big Trees List, the American Forest Association's Champion Tree list or any tree that would measure 80 percent of the points of a tree on the North Carolina Big Trees List shall be pruned or removed without prior permission from the City Arborist.

Source: Fayetteville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development OrdinanceView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 30-5.B.6 defines a specimen tree as any healthy tree measuring 30 inches caliper or more. Removal is discouraged and requires a compelling site design argument plus a survey showing location, species, size, and condition; when approved, $50 per caliper inch goes into the city tree fund. Separately, no tree on the North Carolina Big Trees List or the American Forest Association Champion Tree list, and no tree reaching 80 percent of a listed tree's points, may be pruned or removed without the City Arborist's prior permission. These standards attach to development review, not to routine yard work at an existing house.

Violations & Fines

Removing a specimen tree without approval violates the UDO. Damaged or unlawfully removed trees must be replaced inch-for-inch within 12 months, alongside civil penalties under article 30-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a specimen tree in Fayetteville?
Any healthy tree with a caliper of 30 inches or more. Southern Yellow Pine (excluding Longleaf Pine), Bradford Pear, Mulberry, and Silver Maple are excluded under section 30-5.B.7.a.2. Longleaf pines stay protected.
Can a champion tree be removed?
Not without prior permission from the City Arborist. This covers trees on the North Carolina Big Trees List, the American Forest Association Champion Tree list, and trees at 80 percent of a listed tree's points.
Does this apply to my existing house?
No. Section 30-5.B.6 exempts existing single-family detached residential dwellings, except for street trees planted to satisfy section 30-5.B.4.a. The standards attach to development.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fayetteville

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Fayetteville rules

Compare Fayetteville to another location·View the North Carolina tree protection overview

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