Wilmington's tree ordinances are designed to protect the urban forest, which is recognized as a necessary and vital part of the city's infrastructure. The urban forest is green infrastructure that provides crucial benefits to the community including:

A certified arborist prunes a city tree. Photo courtesy TheDCH

• Environmental (carbon storage, reduction of air pollution, climate control, energy savings, storm water management and increased biodiversity);

• Social (improved human health and increased quality of life); and

• Economic (increased property values, increased visitation of businesses and decreased energy use).

The following City Code links are provided to help you better understand the tree ordinances.

Vegetation

• City Code Chapter 46

Parking Lot Landscaping

• City Code §48-523 Applicability

• City Code §48-524 Landscape plan review

• City Code §48-525 Landscape plan required; contents

• City Code §48-526 General standards for landscaping and screening

• City Code §48-527 Landscaping for parking garages

• City Code §48-528 Parking lot perimeter landscaping requirements

• City Code §48-529 Parking lot screening requirements

• City Code §48-530 Maintenance

• City Code §48-531 Enforcement and compliance

• City Code §48-532 Appeals

Waterfront District Design Standards

• City Code §48-40 Environmental and technology advisory panel; uses and assessment of effects

Tree Care During Curb and Sidewalk Construction

• City Code §42-93 Care of Trees

• City Code §42-139 Care of Trees

For more information about City trees regulations, call 311 within city limits or (302) 576-2620 from outside city limits.