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

2 defines a heritage tree as a single-trunk shade tree that is 24 inches DBH or larger, or a single-trunk understory tree that is 12 inches DBH or larger, that is not unhealthy and not a hazardous tree. Sec. E lets a developer establish a heritage tree and its critical root zone as an optional tree conservation area after all primary tree conservation areas required by Sec. A have already been set aside. The area doesn't just count toward the requirement: its critical root zone is double credited, but only if every one of several conditions is met.

The critical root zone must be protected in its entirety, either because it sits entirely on the developing property or because the owner has recorded a landscape easement over the adjoining parcel that bars all tree disturbing activity there; a critical root zone already counted inside another tree conservation area cannot also earn heritage double credit. The tree's condition must be rated 'Good' or higher by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, using the ISA's Guide for Plant Appraisal, and that rating must be verified by the City's Parks and Cultural Resources Director.

A tree-condition report on a City evaluation form must be submitted to the Director, and a certified arborist must prepare an active tree preservation plan that the Director approves and the developer implements under the arborist's supervision during construction.