How to apply for a tree removal permit in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Winston-Salem'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. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Winston-Salem: 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 heritage 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 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning and Development Services / 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.cityofws.org/1525/Planning-and-Development-Services.

    View the full Winston-Salem ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

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

(336) 747-7062

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Winston-Salem permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment