Matthews Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

8.0" DBH minimum for protection

Town of Matthews Zoning Ordinance tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH require preservation or mitigation. The Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance also applies to qualifying sites within Matthews and provides tree-save-area standards. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties.

Protected Species

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

Heritage / Landmark Trees

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

Permit Requirements

Tree preservation plan required at site plan submittal for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance tree-save-area plan also required for qualifying sites. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.

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; tree-save-area plan for Mecklenburg County-regulated sites; replacement/mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Matthews Zoning Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance

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

Town of Matthews Zoning Ordinance tree preservation standards; Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance overlay

View full ordinance

Contact

Matthews Planning Department

(704) 847-3640

Nearby Cities in Mecklenburg County

Charlotte Huntersville

Other North Carolina cities

Cary Fayetteville Hickory Huntersville Indian Trail Kannapolis Raleigh 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 Matthews before submitting permits or reports.

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

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

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

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