No. TreesCharlotte is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit that proudly partners with the city of Charlotte. We rely on donations to fund our operation and on volunteers to help us plant and give away trees.

The city of Charlotte provides care for trees on city property and the over 200,000 trees along city-owned streets. TreesCharlotte, however, facilitates plantings on non-city property, including neighborhood common areas, churches and schools. Because we engage volunteers to plant and care for trees, we’re able to stretch our donation dollars. TreesCharlotte is a unique legacy project for our community.

Since inception in 2012, TreesCharlotte has been focused within city limits; therefore, the bulk of our plantings and tree giveaways are limited to Charlotte residents. However, TreesCharlotte is growing but hosting a few events each year outside city limits, while staying within Mecklenburg County.

We start with the city’s approved tree list (about 60 species) and then work with four N.C. growers and their inventory. Our trees are either native or naturalized to our region. By the time we get them, they are typically 0.5-1″ in caliber and in containers up to 7-gallons. Species range from canopy-builders such as oaks and maples, to evergreens, to flowering trees such as dogwoods and cherries, and more!

TreesCharlotte invests in our urban forest by returning to community plantings at years 2,4 and 6 following plantings, with volunteers assisting with basic pruning.  Treesilience, our holistic initiative focused on under-canopied and underserved neighborhoods, also assists with Mature Tree Care. We highly recommend private landowners contact an ISA-certified arborist for pruning and removal work. ISA-certified arborists will be invested in maintaining your tree and our precious canopy.

TreesCharlotte benefits from strong community support and has engaged more than 29,000 volunteers since 2012. If you want to join us, consider volunteering to plant trees or becoming a TreeMaster or TreeAmbassador who represents TreesCharlotte at planting and outreach events.

Second, consider making a donation to TreesCharlotte. We rely entirely on donations from individuals, foundations and corporations to build our urban canopy.

Third, spread the word about TreesCharlotte to your friends and neighbors. 

Lastly, plant a tree in your yard and water and care for the trees you have – you and they will benefit! Tree care advice can be found on our Resources page.

Donations to TreesCharlotte can be made with a credit card here or by sending a contribution to:

TreesCharlotte
P.O. Box 32367
Charlotte, NC 28232

For gifts of securities, click here.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a TreesCharlotte event, please contact our development manager, Beth Brodie.

Yes. The Charlotte Tree Ordinance (Chapter 21 of City Code of Ordinances) and Article 20.13 – 20.18 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) have multiple type of tree preservation and planting requirements/protections that apply in the City of Charlotte. City street trees located in public street right-of-way and heritage trees are protected at all times in Charlotte. The UDO applies to land development in Charlotte and has four primary requirement areas: 1) perimeter street trees, 2) internal/parking lot trees, 3) tree save preservation, & 4) heritage tree preservation/mitigation.

TreesCharlotte’s TreeGift program is the perfect way to celebrate the life of a special friend, colleague, or family member or to honor your family, friends, co-workers, or clients. Learn more about honoring someone with a tree. All gifted trees are planted at Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.

The city of Charlotte oversees all “right-of-way” trees, otherwise known as street trees. Call the city’s Landscape Management office to see if the tree in question qualifies as a city-maintained tree: 704-336-4262, M-F, 7 a.m.-4 p.m

We suggest you start with Duke Energy: duke-energy.com/home

Talk to your neighbor first. Have an ISA-certified arborist come look at the tree to determine options. Often times arborists are well informed regarding property lines, laws, etc., and can advise the best course of action for private property tree issues. If your neighbor is uncooperative or hostile, calling your attorney may be the best bet

The city’s solid waste department picks up yard waste weekly. Be sure to follow their guidelines to ensure the waste is properly prepped for pickup.