Remove a tree

Step 1.Call before you cut

Please call 910.254.0900 before you cut any trees to find out whether a permit is required. Cutting trees without a permit has consequences

Step 2.Penalty (Private Property)

• $150 per inch (diameter at breast height) or $1,200 per tree, whichever is greater, plus mitigation if required.
• If mitigation is required and cannot be accomplished through replanting on-site, the mitigation fee $175 per inch (diameter at breast height) of the trees removed multiplied by 2

Step 3.Penalty (Public Right-of-Way)

Contact Parks & Recreation

Step 1.When is a permit required?

A permit is required for removal of any tree within the public right-of-way and for any tree with a diameter at breast height of 4 inches or greater located:

• On all non-residential lots
• On residential lots greater than 1 acre in size
• Within a conservation resource setback or protective buffer
• Within a local historic district, regardless of property size. In these districts, the authorization for tree removal is granted through the Certificate of Appropriateness process and a separate zoning permit for tree removal is not required.

Pursuant to Section 18-316(C) of the Land Development Code, protected trees may only be removed if essential site components cannot be accommodated elsewhere on the site. Factors such as cost or removal to accommodate nonessential site improvements shall not be valid reasons for removal of protected trees. Mitigation for tree removal is required in some cases. Contact us to inquire about mitigation requirements.

Step 2.Specimen Trees

Board of Adjustment approval is required for removal of specimen trees in all zoning districts other than the IND district.

Step 1.Fee Amount

Removal of Trees from Private Property

• Less than one acre: $25
• 1-5 acres: $50
• 5-10 acres: $100
• Greater than 10 acres: $150
• Administrative permits where no tree is proposed for removal: $0
• Mitigation: $175 per caliper inch of mitigation required

Removal of Trees from Public Right-of-Way

Contact Parks & Recreation for information on fees associated with removal of trees from public right-of-way

Step 2.Payment Options

If you plan to pay in advance, planning staff must first notify the collections department to enable acceptance of payments.

Payment by Phone (910. 343.4745)

• 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
• Limited to VISA and MasterCard payments.

Payment in Person

• 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
• Billing & Collections Office
  Skyline Center
  929 North Front Street, 1st Floor

Payment by Mail

• Please include invoice number or account number
• Regular Mail
  City of Wilmington Collections
  PO Box 1810
  Wilmington, NC 28402
• Express Mail
  City of Wilmington Collections

  929 North Front Street, 1st Floor
  Wilmington, NC 28401