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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Matthews'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 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Matthews: 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; tree-save-area plan for Mecklenburg County-regulated sites; replacement/mitigation plan. 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 Matthews Planning Department. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.matthewsnc.gov/planning.

    View the full Matthews ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Matthews Planning Department

(704) 847-3640

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Matthews permit?

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

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