Wake Forest Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Wake County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and Tree Conservation Area standards govern tree preservation on all development sites including residential subdivisions. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified inside Tree Conservation Areas require preservation; significant trees ≥24 inches DBH receive enhanced protection. Historic District overlay adds enhanced tree protection on regulated properties.

Protected Species

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

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Significant/heritage trees ≥24 inch DBH or designated by the Town Arborist 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 Conservation Area plan required at subdivision or site plan application. Tree Removal Permit required for significant/heritage trees. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.

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 Conservation Area plan; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for significant/heritage trees

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for significant/heritage trees per Wake Forest UDO

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

Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and Tree Conservation Area standards

View full ordinance

Contact

Wake Forest Planning Department

(919) 435-9516

Nearby Cities in Wake County

Apex Cary Raleigh

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Cary Chapel Hill Durham Gastonia Greensboro Jacksonville Wilmington
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 Wake Forest before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Wake Forest →

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

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

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