Tree Permits and Guides

City of Tega Cay's Code Sec. 22-91 (4), residents must apply for a permit before removing trees on their property. There are no costs associated with tree removal permits.

• Tree Permit Application
• Tree Removal Permit Guide
• Understory Tree List
• Canopy Tree List

Before Completing Your Tree Application 

• If there is a tree that you want to remove a tree permit must be filed with the City of Tega Cay.  If the tree that is going to be removed is over 4 inches in diameter, measured one foot from the ground.  You must obtain approval via a tree permit prior to the removal of the tree.  There is no fee for a tree permit.
• You may complete a written permit at City Hall or on our website. Once you are on the website go to “I want to” then “Apply” and then Tree Permit.
• Please have the tree(s) marked with paint, tape or ribbon and indicate them on the permit.  A general diagram or picture of the tree(s) to be removed is very helpful.
• The permits will be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
• If you are doing a project such as building a house or installing a pool the tree(s) inside the buildable area should be included in the Land Disturbance Permit. Trees outside the project area will have to be approved with a tree permit.
• If you are not sure if a tree is on your property, then a property survey can be done to determine the exact boundary. This expense is the responsibility of the property owner.
• The City of Tega Cay only approves the tree(s) removal, it is the property owner’s responsibility to contact a tree company from our list of contractors with a business license to perform the work.
• The tree company is responsible for removing the tree parts from the property. 
• Pruning may be done without a permit as long as it is your tree.

Tips for Homeowners:

• Trees should be inspected periodically to mitigate insect or disease infestation and determine possible defects.
• The inspections should include looking for defects in the trunk or bark, mushroom-like structures, “wet” areas with oozing stuff, insects and diseases… etc.  
• Lightening can severely damage a tree.  This is evidenced by a spiral vertical split or crack in the bark.  
• Girdling roots can be an issue if not corrected when the tree is young.  They are roots that encircle the trunk at the base.   
• Most trees have some degree of lean from vertical.  Trees are very good at balancing unless defects are present.  
• Narrow branch angles and multiple trunk trees incur a higher risk of breakage and must be frequently inspected.  
• Something to look for in the canopy are crossing and rubbing branches.  These are candidates for removal because they cause flat spots in the branches which are prone to breakage.  
• In most cases tree or shrub limbs that are over a property line may be pruned to the property line by that property owner if the pruning does not detrimentally affect the health of that tree.
• When the bark is releasing from the trunk it is an indication that there is a problem that should be investigated further.
• Topping trees is not recommended because it creates large wounds that decay instead of callusing and unnatural sprout growth that is weakly attached and will separate from that tree as it becomes larger and heavier.  
•  Forest trees have such a structure that they are used to “leaning” on their neighbor in the wind and as the forest is cleared the “edge” trees become more prone to wind throw and breakage.  

 Trees are a vital part of the ecosystem, they hold soil in place, are habitats for many different fauna and flora, provide shade, consume carbon dioxide from the air, and give off oxygen for us to breathe. So, it is important to “keep” trees if possible.  A Certified Arborist can help you make the right decision when considering saving or removing a tree.

Please visit treesaregood.org for more great knowledge about trees.