How to apply for a tree removal permit in Greensboro, North Carolina

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Greensboro's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 10" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Greensboro: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; preservation plans prepared by registered landscape architect or ISA Certified Arborist.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, location, condition, disposition; tree preservation plan; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for champion/specimen trees. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; preservation plans by registered landscape architect.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Greensboro Planning Department / Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/planning.

    View the full Greensboro ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Greensboro Planning Department / Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry

(336) 373-2144

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

See North Carolina replacement obligations compared — how Greensboro's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See North Carolina heritage criteria compared — how Greensboro's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Greensboro permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Greensboro's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment