Winston-Salem Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Forsyth County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

8.0" DBH minimum for protection

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) Chapter E tree preservation standards require tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. The city maintains a Heritage Tree designation for specimen trees of exceptional size, age, or historical significance. Historic District overlays add additional tree protection on regulated properties.

Protected Species

Heritage/champion designations commonly include white oak (Quercus alba) willow oak post oak American beech tulip poplar southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage trees designated by the City Arborist or listed on the Winston-Salem Heritage Tree registry receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (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. Heritage tree removal permit required regardless of site category. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with the City-County Planning Board / 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; arborist report for heritage trees

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for heritage trees per UDO Chapter E

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

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) Chapter E Tree Preservation

View full ordinance

Contact

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning and Development Services / Urban Forestry

(336) 747-7062

Other North Carolina cities

Asheville Cary Chapel Hill Charlotte Durham Greensboro Jacksonville Rocky Mount
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Compare with nearby cities

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

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Winston-Salem →

See North Carolina replacement obligations compared: How Winston-Salem's replacement ratio ranks in North Carolina →

See North Carolina heritage criteria compared: How Winston-Salem's heritage designation ranks in North Carolina →

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