Wilmington's Tree Code (Chapter 44) regulates removal, planting, and maintenance of trees in public rights-of-way, parks, and certain protected areas, requiring permits before removing covered trees.
Wilmington City Code Chapter 44 establishes the Tree Commission and authorizes the City Forester to manage public trees. Removal of street trees, park trees, and certain protected trees requires a permit and may involve replacement requirements. Private-property trees are generally less restricted unless within historic districts, riparian buffers along Brandywine Creek, or planned development conditions. Permit applications go through Parks and Recreation. Fees and replacement obligations fund the urban forest. Unauthorized removal of public or protected trees can trigger restitution based on appraised tree value plus civil penalties.
Removing a public, street, or protected tree without a permit can result in fines, restitution at appraised value, and required replacement plantings.
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See how Wilmington's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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