Permits and hiring tips
Who to call about trees near power lines, when historic district rules may apply, what the towns will haul, and how to vet a tree service.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
For a tree in an ordinary residential yard, a removal permit usually isn't the issue, but rules vary by town, and some situations need a check first:
- Your home is in a local historic district
- The tree is in the street right-of-way rather than on your lot
- You're clearing land for new construction
When in doubt, call your town's planning office before work is scheduled.
Historic districts
- Rocky Mount: the city's local historic districts are Central City, Edgemont, Rocky Mount Mills Village, and Villa Place. Major exterior changes there need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Ask the city whether your tree work counts.Historic districts and landmarks
- Wilson: in the Old Wilson, West Nash, and Broad-Kenan districts, the city's design guidelines put changes to trees under Historic Preservation Commission review.Wilson historic preservation
Trees near power lines
- Rocky Mount: the city's electric utility says only qualified professionals may work within 10 feet of power lines, and asks homeowners to contact it first: (252) 467-4800.City tree trimming
- Wilson: Wilson Energy (city-owned)
- Tarboro: Tarboro Electric Utilities (town-owned)
- Nashville: Duke Energy Progress, outages 1-800-419-6356
Limb and yard debris pickup
- Rocky Mount: limbs up to 4 feet long and 4 inches across, bundled under 50 lb, at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on trash day. Larger loads by request at 252-467-4980. The city does not pick up debris from paid contractors or large tree removals.Yard waste collection
- Nashville: every other week, limbs up to 4 feet and 5 inches across. No whole trees, stumps, or land-clearing debris.Town guide
- Tarboro: Wednesdays, limbs cut to 4 feet and stacked behind the curb. Large piles: 252-641-4235.
- Wilson: bagged leaves on yard-waste day and seasonal vacuum leaf collection. Call 252-399-2424 about limbs.
Call 811 before stump grinding
North Carolina asks for a call to NC 811 at least three full business days before digging, so utilities can mark their lines. Stump grinding goes into the ground, so a professional crew should submit the request. Private lines, like wiring to a shed or an irrigation line, aren't marked, so point them out.
Hiring a tree service
- Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation
- Get the price in writing, including cleanup, haul-away, and stump grinding
- Ask whether an ISA Certified Arborist is on staff for trimming and tree health questions
- Be wary of anyone who recommends topping a healthy tree
- After a storm, be cautious of door-to-door crews asking for full payment up front