Greensboro Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Guilford County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Greensboro Land Development Ordinance (LDO) tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Greensboro maintains a Champion Tree Registry (designated specimen trees) receiving enhanced protection. Public street trees regulated regardless of development category.

Protected Species

Champion designations commonly include white oak (Quercus alba) willow oak (Quercus phellos) post oak (Quercus stellata) American beech (Fagus grandifolia) tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Champion trees and specimen trees designated by the City Arborist or listed on the Champion Tree Registry receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation.

Permit Requirements

Tree preservation plan required at site plan submittal for commercial, multi-family, and institutional development. Public street tree work coordinated with Greensboro Parks and Recreation / Urban Forestry. Permit required for removal of champion/specimen trees regardless of site category.

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

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, location, condition, disposition; tree preservation plan; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for champion/specimen trees

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for champion/specimen trees per LDO tree preservation standards

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

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist; preservation plans by registered landscape architect

Municipal Code

Greensboro Land Development Ordinance (LDO) tree preservation standards; Champion Tree Registry

View full ordinance

Contact

Greensboro Planning Department / Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry

(336) 373-2144

Nearby Cities in Guilford County

High Point

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Chapel Hill Charlotte Gastonia Indian Trail Raleigh Wake Forest 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 Greensboro before submitting permits or reports.

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

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

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

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