Cary Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Wake County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Town of Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) §7.2 Tree Protection and §7.3 Landscape and Buffer Yards govern tree preservation on all development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Cary is one of the most stringent NC tree-protection regimes: tree preservation is required on residential subdivisions as well as non-residential sites, with required tree-save areas by zoning district. Historic Overlay District (HOD) provisions add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties.

Protected Species

Common protected canopy species include willow oak (Quercus phellos) white oak (Quercus alba) water oak (Quercus nigra) American beech tulip poplar loblolly pine and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen/heritage trees designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties.

Permit Requirements

Tree Protection Plan required at subdivision or site plan application for residential and non-residential development. Tree Removal Permit required for removal of protected trees inside tree-save areas. Public street tree work coordinated with Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources / Urban Forestry.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; tree protection plans prepared by registered landscape architect or ISA Certified Arborist

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, location, condition, disposition; tree protection plan with tree-save areas; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for specimen trees

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per LDO §7.2

On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist; tree protection plans prepared by Certified Arborist or registered landscape architect

Municipal Code

Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) §7.2 Tree Protection; §7.3 Landscape and Buffer Yards

View full ordinance

Contact

Cary Planning and Development Services / Urban Forestry

(919) 469-4080

Nearby Cities in Wake County

Apex Raleigh Wake Forest

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Asheville Burlington Durham Greensboro Hickory Kannapolis Winston-Salem
See all North Carolina cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Cary before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Cary →

See North Carolina replacement obligations compared: How Cary's replacement ratio ranks in North Carolina →

See North Carolina heritage criteria compared: How Cary's heritage designation ranks in North Carolina →

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