Downtown: Waxhaw | Our State

Trees

Trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. They clean our air, filter our water, and even slow storm surge and flooding in our community. Trees also provide shade, and lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade. This much-needed cooling can reduce temperatures by up to 10 degrees, which can help prevent heat-related deaths in urban areas.

Public Trees

A tree is in the right-of-way if it is in the grass strip between the sidewalk and street. If your street does not have sidewalks, you can call 704-843-7439 to help determine if the tree in question is in the right-of-way.

Waxhaw Public Services will inspect the tree in question and include the Union County Urban Forester, if needed.  You will receive a door hanger if you are not home, that will indicate what has been determined about the tree and who to contact for further help.  

If work is needed on the tree, it will be assigned to Waxhaw Public Services or an outside contractor hired by the Town.  Depending on the existing backlog and priority level at the time of the inspection, work may take several months to occur. You can call and request updates with the contact listed on the doorhanger.

Any other street tree issues can be reported to Waxhaw Public Services by calling 704-843-7439 or by downloading the Waxhaw Connect App - Start a Request - Street Trees

tree

Routine Tree Maintenance Service

The Town of Waxhaw will no longer provide routine tree maintenance service within public rights-of-way in established homeowners associations (HOAs) after the Town of Waxhaw Board of Commissioners voted to end this service at its June 24, 2025 meeting. 

The Town of Waxhaw Public Services Department will continue to perform as-needed maintenance on trees within rights-of-way to address safety issues that pose a noticeable danger to the public, such as:

  • dead or low-hanging limbs
  • leaning or fallen trees
  • line-of-sight and signage obstructions
  • storm-related damage

HOAs and individual homeowners are encouraged to perform routine tree maintenance, such as light pruning, on trees that are located within the right-of-way in front of their property, in accordance with the rules and covenants of their respective HOAs, if applicable.

Tree Replacement Requests

Town of Waxhaw staff will review tree replacement requests on a case-by-case basis considering factors such as location, safety, cost, and other relevant factors. Each request is logged and will be considered in the order that it is received.

Please note: Replacement timing may vary based on seasonal planting schedules and available resources.

Important Reminders About Maintenance Work:

 The Town of Waxhaw may perform maintenance in the public right-of-way near your property. This may include work on streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, streetlights or street trees.

  • The Town of Waxhaw is not responsible for repairing private irrigation systems or unauthorized items in the right-of-way, such as decorative planters or hardscapes.
  • If you have any private installations you must flag, remove or relocate them before work begins.
  • Utility installations (power, water, cable, etc.) require permits to clarify repair responsibilities.

Tree Resources for Residents

Tree Resources & Education - City of Charlotte