Tree Removal Guidelines

Below you will find the different removal guidelines and protection ordinances in various areas we service.

Call Before You Cut

It is important for you to verify which area your residence falls into so that you are abiding by the correct removal rules and regulations.

The diameter of the tree, also referred to as DBH (diameter at breast height), is measured at “breast height” which is 4.5′ up the trunk of the tree from the ground. Measure the circumference of the tree, then divide it by 3.14 to get your accurate tree diameter (DBH). Watch the video below, by Portland Parks and Recreation, for a visual on how to accurately measure DBH.

When submitting requests for permits through your city,  town, or county; our certified arborists are happy to write a letter to aid in the process. This is usually done when a tree is deemed hazardous: unhealthy, or a danger to nearby structures or occupants. This service is free of charge when you choose us to complete your tree work.

 

List of Towns:

Town of Mount Pleasant
843-884-8517

Brochure Link

Tree Protection – 

For residential properties within the Town,  trees that are 16″ in diameter or greater are protected and require approval for removal. 24″ or greater are considered Historic and approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals may be required prior to removal. However, unless located in a buffer, the following trees are not protected regardless of size and can be removed at any time: pines, Sweet Gum, Callary Pear varieties, River Birch, Mimosa, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Camphor tree and White Poplar. Please note that the removal of replacement trees or trees within a required buffer is prohibited.

Tree Removal & Replacement

In some cases, tree replacement may be required when one is removed. Prior to the issuance of a permit for tree removal, a residential tree removal request form must be submitted. This form can be completed online. To access the form, select “report a concern” from their homepage. The request tracker section of the website will open and you can choose the tree removal request. You will have to create a user name and password. Once the form has been completed and submitted, a member of the Planning Department staff will visit the site to review the request to determine if removal can be approved by staff and if so, the required mitigation. You will then receive a response to your online request. The amount of required tree replacement will be based on the quality of the tree being removed. 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. In cases where replacement trees cannot be accommodated on site, a fee may be paid to the Town tree bank in lieu of planting.

Town of Sullivans Island

843-883-5727

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City of Isle of Palms

843-886-9912

Permits for removal are required for any tree or limb 8″ in diameter or greater. Contact Isle of Palms via telephone before having your tree removed.

City of Charleston

843-724-3781 OR 843-724-3783

All trees are protected in the City of Charleston, except pines and Sweet Gums, measuring 24″ in diameter or greater. Removals will require a permit from the city and a site visit the homeowner must call to schedule.

City of North Charleston

Brochure Link

843-740-2582

You must call the zoning office to remove any trees or do pruning in the City of North Charleston.  Existing trees greater than 10″ in diameter are considered “significant trees” and are protected to the extent practical and feasible. Removal of “significant trees” is prohibited without a permit.

County Charleston

Brochure Link

843-202-7200

All trees 24″ in diameter or greater are protected, except pines.  Removal of any tree greater than 24″ in diameter will require a permit and site visit. With multi-family units trees 8″ in diameter or greater are protected, as they must retain a buffer.

Berkeley County

843-723-3800

Berkeley County does not have a tree protection ordinance.

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TESTIMONIALS

Joanna Hoover, Brickyard Plantation HOA President

The service and professionalism our community received from Mt. Pleasant Tree Service was “top notch”. From the time they took to go though our neighborhood to see what our needs were, to the professional bid they presented, they have given us the service that I did not know was still out there. You can tell they take pride in what they do, and know what they are doing. When their crew came in to maintain our trees in our community, they made sure things were taken care of to our satisfaction, and cleaned up. I would highly recommend Mt. Pleasant Tree Service for any tree needs you may have… small or large!

David Phillips, The Phillips Realty Group

I have worked with Mount Pleasant Tree Services on a number of our projects. Tommy, his son Jason along and their crew have been a pleasure to do business with. They have shown up on time, every time and completed the job on time. They always leave the property clean and tidy. Their knowledge, professionalism and experience in what they do was the reason I first and still use them for all our projects. I am happy to recommend them and would happily answer questions about their service if necessary.

Leigh Mills, Homeowner

I was extremely pleased with the work that MtP Tree did for us. They were efficient and timely everyday. The workers were polite and conscientious of my belongings around the outside of the house. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional tree service.

Debbie Rogers, A-Plus Property Management

We have been associated with Mt. Pleasant Tree Service for over five years.  In that time we have had nothing less than top quality work done for the homeowners associations that we manage.  Based on their knowledge, experience and great customer service, we never hesitate to recommend Mt. Pleasant Tree Service to other associations or private homeowners.