Street Tree Planting and Care

The City of Charlotte Arborist Group maintains more than 200,000 trees along City streets and plants an average of 800 trees each year. Residents can call CharMeck 311, use the online form or use the CLT+ mobile app to request an inspection if they have a concern about a tree in the right-of way.

To learn more about tree care services such as tree pruning, removal or stump grinding, visit our tree care services to residents page. To learn more about choosing, pruning, watering, mulching and pest management, visit the tree resources & education page.

What is the City Right-of-Way?

A diagram of cross-section of a neighborhood street illustrating which area is considered right-of-way

A tree is in the right-of-way if it is in the grass strip between the sidewalk and street. If your street does not have sidewalks, you can call 704.336.4262 to help determine if the tree in question is in the right-of-way.
 
Residents can call and request a tree be planted in front of their home. This can occur in the planting strip or in the right-of-way if you do not have a sidewalk. An inspector will come out to look at the area to determine if a tree can be planted. If it can, the address will be placed on a list to receive a tree in the upcoming planting season (November through March) or next year's planting season. To see where right-of-way trees will be planted in the upcoming planting season, please see the map below.
 
To plant a tree in the right-of-way yourself, you must first obtain a no-cost permit. You may call 704.336.4262 to be put in contact with the staff person who can assist you. An arborist will meet you on site to discuss the proposed planting and the required qualifications for the person planting the tree. Any planting of trees in the right-of-way without a permit will result in a notice of violation and a monetary fine.
 
Maintain it to the Street
According to the Charlotte Code of Ordinances, property owners are responsible for maintaining grass and vegetation all the way to curb. Fines start at $150 for violations. Learn more at charlottenc.gov/maintainit.

Tree Planting Map

The city's tree management group is busy enhancing the canopy by planting new trees! Want to know where trees will be or have been planted near you? Click on the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner of the map below and enter an address to explore the city's tree-planting plans. Or pan and zoom to explore how Charlotte's canopy is growing. Blue trees were planted in 2023 and green trees are scheduled for planting beginning in 2024.

Questions? Call Landscape Management at 704.336.4262.

Map Legend for Tree Planting Work Orders

blue icon of a tree to indicate trees being planted in FY2023 (July 2022 to June 2023) FY 2023 tree plantings

a green icon of a tree to indicate trees to be planted in FY2024 (July 2023 through June 2024) FY 2024 tree plantings

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