Tree Risk Assessment in Raleigh, NC

A Tree Impact Permit is required for activities affecting trees on the city right-of-way and city-owned property, requested through the City of Raleigh. Most trees on private single-family lots don't require a permit, but historic districts and Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts can add requirements. Check your lot's zoning.

Loblolly pine: most common tree near newer homes; ice and wind risk White and southern red oak: long-lived; red oaks more decay-prone Willow oak: classic street tree downtown; aging

Loblolly pines left from forest clearing lean and snap in wind and ice.

Freezing rain breaks pines and hardwoods; outages are often caused by trees on lines.

Fran (1996) set the benchmark; remnants still bring wind on saturated soils.

Wooded suburban lots in North Raleigh and surrounding Wake County have many trees close to homes, so multiple removals and pine clearing are common requests. Older neighborhoods near downtown, like Oakwood and Five Points, have big oaks and street trees in the right-of-way, narrow lots and overhead lines, which makes rigging and permits part of most jobs.