Chapel Hill’s Forest Legacy

Chapel Hill takes pride in its city forest. In the 1930s, a tree planting program focused on willow oaks along Franklin Street and in the historic district. As the town grew, so did the recognition that trees needed protection. This led to hiring trained tree workers and adopting new policies in the 1980s.

The town’s commitment deepened in the 1990s when Chapel Hill joined the Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City U.S.A., officially beginning Arbor Day celebrations. Since then, Chapel Hill has worked to balance urban development with its small-town character by planting and maintaining trees in public spaces and along major roads.

As its urban forest has matured, so has the community’s connection to it. Residents value the comfort and beauty the trees provide. A dedicated staff helps preserve this legacy—responding to concerns, sharing research, and offering education and support.

Through ongoing outreach, the town has worked with residents and utility providers to address tree maintenance using a “right tree, right place” approach that prevents conflicts and promotes long-term growth.

Tree Canopy: A Defining Feature

The presence of a lush tree canopy is one of the defining features of Chapel Hill. The town’s relationship with trees dates back to 1889, when cutting down a tree within town limits was a misdemeanor punishable by a $20 fine.

Trees enhance neighborhood livability by:

• Improving air and water quality

• Reducing stormwater runoff

• Slowing traffic

• Providing shade and wildlife habitat

• Increasing property values

• Fostering a sense of community
  
  Two support documents that assist with measuring and calculating tree canopy:

   Tree Canopy Measurement Template (for the Design Manual)
   Steps for Measuring Canopy (for the Design Manual) 

  Contact Us

  Information: planning@townofchapelhill.org or (919) 968-2728

To preserve this vital resource, the Town Council adopted a Tree Protection Ordinance—part of Chapel Hill’s broader sustainability goals. The ordinance aims to:

• Reduce carbon emissions

• Mitigate the urban heat island effect

• Treat tree canopy as a protected resource in development decisions

• Balance protection with reasonable regulation for residential properties

To access the Tree Protection Ordinance, see Appendix A, Article 5.7 in of the Chapel Hill Code of Ordinances Tree Protection Ordinance

Tree Removal Process

When tree removal is necessary—due to decline, disease, or public safety concerns—the Town conducts a careful review process. This includes trees on Town-maintained streets and in utility easements. Town trees are protected by ordinance and are only removed when absolutely necessary and properly reviewed.

Tree City U.S.A. Recognition

Chapel Hill, along with Carrboro and Hillsborough, has been recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. This national designation requires meeting several standards, including spending at least $2 per capita annually on tree planting and care, and officially observing Arbor Day.

Arbor Day Celebration

Chapel Hill celebrates Arbor Day each year as part of its Tree City U.S.A. status. It’s an opportunity to honor the town’s ongoing commitment to trees and invite the community to participate in planting and preservation activities.

Get Involved: Donate or Volunteer

You can help protect and grow Chapel Hill’s urban forest. The Town and the Friends of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation plant a variety of native trees each year—with help from the NC Botanical Garden, donations, and community volunteers.

You can help protect and grow Chapel Hill’s urban forest. The Friends of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation plant a variety of native trees trees each year—with help from the NC Botanical Gardens, donations, and community volunteers.

To get involved or donate, contact:

• Kevin Robinson
  📧 krobinson@townofchapelhill.org
  📞 919-969-5104

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about trees on your property or in public spaces:

Contact:

• Kiler Hamilton, Park Maintenance Supervisor
  📧 khamilton@townofchapelhill.org
  📞 919-969-5152
  
  Join the Community Tree Committee

The Chapel Hill Community Tree Committee, established in June 2019, brings together residents who care about the future of our urban forest. The committee works to enhance and protect Chapel Hill’s tree canopy, promote education around native trees, and support sustainable urban forestry practices. As part of a Tree City U.S.A., members help ensure our treescape continues to thrive for generations to come.

Interested in joining? Contact Jeanne Brown at trees@townofchapelhill.org.