Originally adopted in 1978, the Tree Ordinance protects trees in the public right of way, and those on private property as they relate to development.  The Ordinance also requires tree planting with new construction. 

Delegation

• The City Arborist oversees protection, planting, and maintenance of trees on public properties and street trees in the public right-of-way.  Permits are required to plant or remove any trees in the right-of-way. When there is a concern about a city street tree, a call can be placed to Landscape Management at 704-336-4262 for inspection.
• The Urban Forestry staff oversees tree protection and planting of trees on commercial properties and in new residential subdivisions since March 19, 2002. There are seven urban foresters that do plan review, approval and inspection.  Click on the Land Development Inspection/Project Area Territorial Map for their areas and phone numbers.

The Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission, on behalf of The Mayor and City Council, annually presents Tree Appreciation Awards in six different categories.  Special awards may also be given to projects that fall outside the categories listed below.  These awards recognize excellence in tree preservation and/or planting.  To be eligible, the site must have been complete for one year.  Please use this form (Tree Awards Nomination form) to nominate outstanding tree preservation and/or planting project in Charlotte.

Tree Ordinance Checklists, Guidelines, and Suggested Details:

• Chapter 21 (Tree Ordinance) of the City Code
• Aeration Panels
• Approved Species List
• Avoid Sight Conflicts
• Basic Pruning Standards
• Boring and Tunneling Under Trees
• Boring Specifications
• Code Summary - Commercial
• General Fertilization (Granular or Liquid)
• Homeowner's Guide to Tree Care for New Trees
• Overhead Power Lines
• Perimeter Tree Requirements - Commercial
• Planting Area Requirements - Commercial
• Planting Delay Request
• Prevent Site Conflicts
• Retaining Wall Next to Existing Tree
• Root Pruning
• Sidewalk Above Grade
• Sidewalk At Grade
• Sidewalk Below Grade
• Single Family Checklist
• Suspended Wall for Tree Root Protection
• Temporary Access Mulching
• Tree or Shrub Planting Under Existing Tree Canopy
• Tree Planting Checklist - Commercial
• Tree Planting Detail
• Tree Protection Checklist - Commercial
• Tree Protection Detail - Commercial
• Tree Protection Plan Requirements - Commercial
• Tree Root Aeration System Layout
• Tree Root Aeration System
• Tree Trunk Protection 001
• Tree Watering
• Tree Work Permit
• Urban Zones

For More Information Contact:

• City Arborist, Don McSween, 704-336-4262
• Urban Forestry Staff, 704-336-6692
• Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission

An Urban Tree Example at Jefferson Square