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The removal of any protected tree must be mitigated by planting new trees per the S.C. Urban Species Guide unless mitigation isn’t required (see below).
For every four inches of protected tree removed, one inch must be replanted. Likewise, for every two inches of grand tree removed, one inch must be replanted.
All Mitigation must be carried out on the site from which the tree was removed. If this is either not feasible or undesirable, the owner may contribute $75 per inch of tree removed to a Town Tree Fund. This will be used to plant trees on public property.
Non-Protected: Any non-flowering tree less than 10″ DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). Flowering trees less than 2″ DBH are also non-protected. Non-protected trees can always be removed from your property without a permit or any official permission.
Protected: Non-flowering trees 10″ DBH or more, or flowering trees 2″ DBH or more. These trees can be removed but may require mitigation.
Grand Trees: Grand trees are 24″ DBH or more. These trees require permission from the Town Planning Commission to remove and may require mitigation.
Flowering Trees: Include such popular varieties as the dogwood, redbud, and southern magnolia. A complete list is below.
A reasonably accurate survey showing the location, size, and species (common name) of any protected trees proposed to be removed should be shown. This survey does not have to be performed by a licensed professional.
Tree permit applications must accompanied by a tree survey prepared by a South Carolina licensed landscape architect, surveyor, or civil engineer. The survey must show the following:
Grand trees may only be removed by action of the Staff or the Planning Commission. Please see the Planning Commission Page for meeting times and submission deadlines.