Tree Removal Permits

The Town requires a resident to obtain a permit to remove any tree measuring 24 inches in circumference at 4.5 feet above the ground. Once an application is received, the Town will post notice of the application on the property, and the arborist will inspect each tree requested to be removed. If the arborist determines that the tree is not a canopy tree, as listed below, the Town will issue a removal permit without conditions.

Trees defined as canopy trees are: Green Ash; White Ash; American Beech; English Elm; European Beech; Bald Cypress; American Elm; Franklinia; Ginkgo; Hackberry; Bitternut Hickory; Mockernut Hickory; Pignut Hickory; Shagbark Hickory; American Holly; Honeylocust; Katsura; American Linden; Southern Magnolia; Virginia Magnolia; Black Maple; Red Maple; Sugar Maple; London Planetree; Black Oak; Blackjack Oak; Chestnut Oak; Overcup Oak; Persimmon; Pin Oak; Post Oak; Northern Red Oak; Sawtooth Oak; Southern Red Oak; Scarlet Oak; Shingle Oak; White Oak; Swamp White Oak; Willow Oak; Tulip Poplar; American Sycamore; Sweetgum; Blackgum (Tupelo); Black Walnut; and Yellowwood.

If the tree is a canopy tree, the arborist determines whether the tree is dying, dead, in danger of falling, or a hazard to the safety of persons or property. If the arborist finds one of these conditions to exist, a removal permit will be issued without conditions. If the arborist does not find one of these conditions to exist, the Town Manager will consult with the applicant and will review all available information to review the arborist's assessment and thereby determine whether the tree meets the standards for removal.

If the Town Manager issues a removal permit for a tree that the Town arborist does not find meets a standard for removal, the applicant will be required to plant a replacement tree for each tree removed or pay an impact fee of $750 per tree. Most trees approved for removal have a seven day posting requirement before the tree can be removed. If the Town Manager denies a removal permit, the property owner may appeal that decision to the Town Council.

Tree Removal Permit Application (online)

Private Tree Removals and Appeals Standard Operating Procedures

Urban Forest (Tree) Ordinance

Tree Removal Permit Archive



The town's tree ordinance creates a simple permit procedure to allow the removal of dead, dying, hazardous, or undesirable canopy trees.  A canopy tree is defined as a tree that measures 24" or greater in circumference at 4 and one-half feet from the base.

Tree Removal Permit Application

If the Town denies a permit because the tree does not meet the standard above, the applicant may appeal that decision to the Tree Board.

Tree Removal Permit Archive
The town's tree ordinance creates a simple permit procedure to allow the removal of dead, dying, hazardous, or undesirable canopy trees.  A canopy tree is defined as a tree that measures 24" or greater in circumference at 4 and one-half feet from the base.

Tree Removal Permit Application

If the Town denies a permit because the tree does not meet the standard above, the applicant may appeal that decision to the Tree Board.

Tree Removal Permit Archive