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: American Beech, American Elm, American Holly, American Hornbeam, American Linden, American Sycamore, Bald Cypress, Bitternut Hickory, Black Birch, Black Maple, Black Oak, Black Walnut, Blackgum (Tupelo), Blackjack Oak, Canadian Hemlock, Chestnut Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Cucumber Magnolia, Eastern Cottonwood, Eastern Red Cedar, European Beech, Ginkgo, Green Ash, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Hop Hornbeam, Katsura, Loblolly Pine, Mockernut Hickory, Northern Red Oak, Northern White Cedar, Overcup Oak, Persimmon, Pignut Hickory, Pin Oak, Post Oak, Red Maple, River Birch, Scarlet Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Shingle Oak, Shortleaf Pine, Silver Maple, Southern Magnolia, Southern Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Swamp White Oak, Sweetgum, Tulip Poplar, Virginia Magnolia, White Ash, White Oak, White Pine, Willow Oak, Yellow Birch, 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