Greenville County, SC Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Article IV of the County Code defines two categories of specially protected trees. A "Heritage or Historic Tree" under § 17-62 is one the County designates as having notable historical significance because of age, size, or cultural value; the County may compile a voluntary Historic and Specimen Tree List as a public record, though listing alone does not restrict what an owner may otherwise do with the tree. A "Specimen Tree" is one the County determines to be of high value for its type, size, age, or other professional criteria, generally 30 inches or larger in caliper depending on species, and valued for rarity, appearance, scientific importance, or connection to a historic event.

Both categories carry a real design consequence: § 17-55(E) requires that "the design of any land development project or subdivision shall take into consideration the location of all Heritage Trees, Specimen Trees, and stands of Trees," and the County, at a developer's or landowner's request, may field survey the site to identify opportunities and incentives to save them. If specimen or heritage trees are found during TPP review in an area slated for land-disturbing activity, county staff may ask the developer to consider a minor site redesign to save them.

0 times the standard tree density credit under § 17-61, and a tree warranty covering the first year after planting is required if replacement planting is involved.