In an effort to preserve and protect our city’s majestic urban tree canopy, the City of Charlotte implemented the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) on June 1, 2023. 

The newest addition to the ordinance and the one most applicable to homeowners is the concept of the  Heritage Tree Preservation.  A heritage tree is defined as any tree native to North Carolina per the USDA Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service Plants Database whose DBH (diameter at breast height) is 30” or more.  Oak, Beech, Pine, Cedar, Maple, Sweetgum and Tulip poplar are all native to N.C. 

Article 20, Tree Preservation Requirements, mandates city approval for the removal of a healthy heritage tree. This requires residents to apply for a heritage tree removal permit and requires a replanting commitment in addition to paying a removal fee. The permit application cost $265 and the removal fee is $500. If you choose to remove a healthy heritage tree, you will now pay at least $765 to the city of Charlotte if you forgo other mitigation options. This doesn’t include the cost of the actual removal.

Look Up, Look Out, Look Ahead. These new regulations are an effort to help mitigate the loss of Charlotte’s tree canopy so that future generations have a fighting chance to view Charlotte as it has historically been known as The City of Trees. Perhaps you’ve heard: the city has had a longstanding goal to increase the tree canopy to 50% by year 2050. Unfortunately, our canopy is shrinking as it has decreased from 49% to 46% in recent years. 

Naturally, one would assume the canopy loss is due to the bustling development of the city; however, newer data suggests that we are losing too many trees in our residential areas. That’s right, it is the trees in our front and back yards that need the most protection. Therefore, it is our personal and collective responsibility to care for the trees that give back to us in so many ways (think of the benefits: monetary, aesthetic, health, ecological and environmental).

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Avoid costly mistakes.

If you have a healthy heritage tree within your landscape and are thinking of removal, reconsider. If you do decide it’s time for a removal based on risk tolerance or health concerns, ask about the city’s new regulations and processes when talking with a Sales Arborist.  If a city resident and a tree company decides to ignore new UDO requirements; it can be costly as the fines are $200 per inch of DBH plus replanting cost. This can easily equate to several thousands of dollars for the removal of a mature native tree. The best protection from fines is to respect the intent of the new regulations and only remove heritage trees that are beyond repair or dead.

Let’s work together. Heartwood is here to help you navigate the new regulations. Not only is it a city goal we support, it is one that is built into our mission. Our desire is to be the Caretakers of the Crown (pun intended) and To Help Trees Outlive Humans after all. 

Discussions should start during your consultation.  If the native tree in question has health or risk concerns, your consulting arborist may suggest a Tree Risk Assessment.

What do I replant? Your replacement tree must be selected from the city approved tree list. Large mature tree species must be planted on 40’ spacing unless there is a proven conflict. The tree shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and meet American Standards of Nursery stock (ANSI Z60.1) unless otherwise approved by the Chief Urban Forester. The best news is we will help you understand replanting specifications, and replant for you during the dormant season while also providing you with aftercare instructions.