High Point Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Guilford County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

High Point Development Ordinance landscape and 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. Specimen trees designated at site plan review receive enhanced protection.

Protected Species

Common protected canopy species include white oak (Quercus alba) willow oak post oak American beech tulip poplar and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist 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, institutional, and mixed-use development. Public street tree work coordinated with High Point Parks and Recreation / Urban Forestry.

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

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Development Ordinance landscape and 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

High Point Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards

View full ordinance

Contact

High Point Planning and Development

(336) 883-3328

Nearby Cities in Guilford County

Greensboro

Other North Carolina cities

Chapel Hill Concord Fayetteville Huntersville Matthews Rocky Mount Wilmington Wilson
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 High Point before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in High Point →

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

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

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