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Tree Protection and Removal
The Town of Mount Pleasant protects certain size and species of tree, and removal of these trees require a permit. Section 156.220 of the Town's Code of Ordinances outlines the importance of preserving the natural landscape through the protection of existing trees. The intent is to encourage the protection and replacement of trees consistent with the economic and healthful enjoyment of private property. It is not punitive, or meant to cause hardship to any individual, private firm, or public agency that uses every care and diligence to protect trees within the Town. The purpose of protection of existing trees is to:
- lessen air pollution;
- increase dust filtration;
- reduce noise, heat and glare;
- prevent soil erosion;
- improve surface drainage and minimize flooding;
- ensure that noise, glare and other distractions of movement in one area do not adversely affect activity within other adjacent areas;
- beautify and enhance improved and undeveloped land;
- preserve and protect both the natural and historic amenities within the town;
- ensure that excessive tree cutting does not reduce property values;
- to minimize the cost of construction and maintenance of drainage systems necessitated by the increased flow and diversion of surface water.
Section 156.225 of the Town's Code of Ordinances outlines the provisions for tree removal of protected species. Residential trees that are 16 inches in diameter or greater are protected. The following trees are not protected unless located in a buffer, right-of-way, or easement, and can be removed without a permit: pines, Sweet Gum, Callary Pear varieties, River Birch, Mimosa, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Camphor tree and White Poplar. Historic trees (24 inches or larger) require an arborist report and/or a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Tree Removal Requests
Approval for tree removal can be obtained by submitting a request online through our website. There are separate forms for requesting tree removal on lots with an existing structure and requesting tree removal associated with any type of construction (new home, renovation, addition, pool, shed, etc.).
Residential Tree Removal
Residential tree removal on lots with an existing structure are reviewed and approved by the Department of Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods.
Beginning June 5, 2023, all tree removal requests must include the following:
- A photo of the tree showing the canopy and trunk of the tree (entire tree if possible). Photos of any cracks, cavities, or other areas of damage, decline, or concern should be included with the request as well.
- An arborist report for all historic trees (24 inches or larger)
Trees requested for removal because of structural damage may require an structural engineering report.
Mitigation, or placement of new trees on the site, may be required in order to remove the desired tree. A mitigation affidavit must be signed by the owner and submitted prior to the tree removal permit being issued.
Once the tree removal request is approved, and the mitigation affidavit submitted (if required), the tree removal company can pick up the tree removal permit at the Business License office. Tree removal permits must be clearly displayed on site in an obvious and noticeable location, such as a window or storm door, for review during the tree removal process.
Pursuant to §156.226 and §156.231of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, removal of any trees without approval and a permit displayed will result in a fine to both the homeowner AND the tree removal company. Please contact the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods office if you have any questions at trees@tompsc.com or by calling 843-884-1229.
Tree Mitigation
Mitigation, or placement of new trees on the site, may be required in order to remove the desired tree. Any mitigation required will be indicated on the tree determination and tree permit. The amount of required tree replacement will be based on the tree species, quality of the tree being removed, and the use of the property (residential or commercial). The Tree Replacement Table shows the tree replacement requirements as outlined in section 156.225.
Mitigation can be completed by either planting the entire number of mitigation inches on the property, planting a portion of the mitigation inches on the property and paying into the Tree Bank for the remaining inches required, or paying into the Tree Bank for all of the mitigation inches required. Replacement trees must be one of the species provided in the Town canopy tree list found in section 156.201(G)(1) of the Town of Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances accessible online.
Concerns regarding mitigation required should be addressed PRIOR to the tree being removed by contacting PLAN staff at trees@tompsc.com or by calling our office at 843-884-1229.
Tree Removal Associated with Construction
Removal of a tree associated with any type of construction is approved during the building permit approval process by the Building Inspections Office. You can contact the Building Inspections Office at 843-884-5184 if you have any questions regarding the building permit application process.
Tree Removal Associated with a Vision Corridor
A vision corridor is a vertical area cut through the vegetated buffer, allowing a view and access to wetlands, tidelands, and beach systems and requires approval from our Engineering and Development Services Department. Contact Engineering and Development Services Department at 843-856-3080 if you have any questions.
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Tree Inquiries
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Planning, Land Use, & Neighborhoods
Physical Address
100 Ann Edwards Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (843) 884-1229
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Tree Pruning
Dead limbs can be removed at any time, but no more than 25% of the live crown can be removed in any given year. The topping of trees, including crepe myrtles, is not an acceptable practice. Over-pruning can cause damage to a tree, even destabilizing it.
How to Measure a Tree
Tree sizes are determined by measuring the number of inches at diameter breast height. In order to measure the diameter breast height (dbh) you will need a loose tape measure and a calculator.
To begin, measure from the ground to a spot 4 1/2 feet up the tree. Then, from that point, wrap the tape measure around the tree to measure the circumference. Finally, take the circumference and divide by pi (3.1415). The resulting number is the diameter of the tree.
To measure a multi-stem tree; if the tree trunk splits at ground level and does not share a common base, each trunk shall be measured as a separate tree. If a multi-trunk tree splits below the 4.5 foot mark all trunks 6 inches or larger in diameter at 4.5 feet shall be measured separately and combined to count as one tree.