Brunswick County, NC Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Dogwood, Live Oak, Longleaf Pine, Redbay, Tupelo, Laurel Oak
- Size threshold
- 4-inch trunk diameter (named species)
- Other species threshold
- 18-inch trunk caliper
- Survey trigger
- Multifamily, nonresidential, major subdivisions
- Removal authority
- Planning Director, case-by-case
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Brunswick County, North Carolina protects named heritage tree species on qualifying development sites. The UDO defines heritage trees as flowering Dogwood, Live Oak, Longleaf Pine, Redbay, Black Tupelo or Laurel Oak of 4 inches or more in trunk diameter, plus any listed species 18 inches or larger, and generally requires their retention in landscaping and buffer areas.
For purposes of this Ordinance, a heritage tree shall be defined as follows:i.A flowering Dogwood, Live Oak, Long Leaf Pine, Redbay, Black Tupelo or Laurel Oak with a trunk diameter measurement of 4" or greater measured at 4.5 feet above ground;ii.Any tree species included in the planting table (See Section 6.1.5.C) with a trunk caliper measurement of 18" or greater measured at 4.5 feet above ground;
Full Breakdown
3, a heritage tree survey is required for multifamily development, nonresidential development, major subdivisions or planned development submitting a site plan, preliminary plat, development plan or special use permit application. 5 feet above ground, or any species in the county's planting table with a trunk caliper of 18 inches or greater at that same height. The survey is waived for land in the floodway, preserved wetlands and wetland buffers, steep slope areas and stream buffers, and the Planning Director can waive it entirely where unique site conditions mean it would add cost without producing useful information.
B then requires that heritage trees be retained within any proposed landscaping or buffer area, except for clearing needed for required driveways or street connections; the Planning Director has discretion to permit selective removal of heritage trees case by case, though preserving heritage trees on the interior of a lot is only encouraged, not required. § 160D-921(c). This heritage-tree scheme applies only in the unincorporated county and does not reach land inside Leland, Southport, Oak Island or Brunswick County's other incorporated towns.
Violations & Fines
Removing a required heritage tree from a landscaping or buffer area without Planning Director authorization, clear-cutting before or during development, or failing to submit a required heritage tree survey is a UDO violation. The Zoning Administrator can issue a correction order, then a $100 civil penalty for each day the violation continues uncorrected under Section 9.11.9.C, or pursue a misdemeanor charge under Section 9.11.9.D with a fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees count as protected heritage trees in Brunswick County?
Can I remove a heritage tree on my development site?
Does every property need a heritage tree survey?
Do these tree rules apply inside Southport or Oak Island?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
Compare Brunswick County to another location·View the North Carolina tree protection overview
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