Cary, NC Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Pine threshold
- 40+ caliper inches
- Other upperstory threshold
- 32+ caliper inches
- Understory species threshold
- 12+ caliper inches
- Base removal fine
- $2,000
Summary
Cary's Land Development Ordinance protects large 'champion trees', individual trees above set caliper thresholds by species, and bars removing or disturbing one during development except as the ordinance specifically allows.
CHAMPION TREE: Any single tree other than a sweet gum that measures: (a) forty (40) caliper inches or greater for pines; (b) thirty-two (32) caliper inches or greater for all upper story trees other than pines; or twelve (12) caliper inches or greater for dogwood, horticultural cherry, redbud, silverbell, and serviceberry... No champion tree may be disturbed or removed except as specifically allowed by this Ordinance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Cary's Land Development Ordinance singles out large individual trees, called 'champion trees,' for protection during development. LDO § 12.4 defines a champion tree by trunk caliper: 40+ inches for pines, 32+ inches for other upperstory species, or 12+ inches for dogwood, horticultural cherry, redbud, silverbell, and serviceberry (sweet gums are excluded regardless of size). Under § 7.2.5(A)(2), no champion tree may be disturbed or removed except as the LDO specifically allows, and preserved champion trees must be shown on development plans with protective fencing. Removal is permitted only under the criteria in § 7.2.5(D), such as unavoidable conflict with required road or utility connections, and a removed champion tree must be replaced under § 7.2.5(E).
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized removal of a protected champion tree during development draws a $2,000 base fine under LDO § 11.5.2(B)(2)(b), plus mandatory replacement trees under § 7.2.5(E); the fine provision excludes existing individual residential lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a protected 'champion tree' in Cary?
Can a developer remove a champion tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle protected tree species.