How to Remove a Tree in Myrtle Beach

Tree removal in Myrtle Beach requires a permit from the city in most cases, and you'll need to hire a licensed contractor to do the work

Myrtle Beach has specific rules about which trees you can remove and when. The city requires a tree removal permit before cutting down most trees on residential or commercial property. You apply through the Myrtle Beach Planning and Zoning Department, and the process typically takes one to two weeks. Some trees—like those in protected areas or those over a certain size—face additional restrictions or may not be removable at all.

Hiring a licensed tree removal contractor is the standard approach. These companies handle the permit paperwork, assess whether your tree can legally be removed, cut it down safely, and haul away the debris. Costs vary based on tree size, location on your property, and whether the stump needs grinding. Getting multiple quotes from different contractors helps you understand the price range for your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

• Myrtle Beach requires a tree removal permit from the Planning and Zoning Department before removing most trees on your property.
• Licensed tree removal contractors handle the permit process, cutting, and debris removal, and their fees depend on tree size and location.
• Protected trees and trees in certain zones may have restrictions or may not be removable, which a contractor can determine during an initial assessment.
• The permit process typically takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you have a specific timeline in mind.

When you need a permit and when you might not

Not every tree on your property requires a permit. Myrtle Beach exempts small trees—generally those under 6 inches in diameter—from the permit requirement. Dead trees sometimes fall into a different category and may be removable without a permit, though you should confirm this with the Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding. Trees in your yard that pose an immediate safety risk (leaning toward a house, visibly diseased, or damaged in a storm) may also have expedited or waived permit processes.

Trees in protected zones, wetlands, or designated conservation areas almost always require a permit and may not be removable at all. The city's zoning map and the Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances spell out which areas have these restrictions. If your property is near the waterfront or in a planned community, additional rules from the state or your homeowners association may apply on top of city requirements.

How to get a tree removal permit

Start by contacting the Myrtle Beach Planning and Zoning Department directly. You can reach them by phone or visit their office in person to ask whether your specific tree needs a permit. If it does, you'll submit an application that includes your property address, a description of the tree (species, size, location on the lot), and the reason for removal. Some applications require a site plan or photos showing the tree's location relative to structures on your property.

The department reviews your application to check zoning restrictions, protected species lists, and whether the tree falls within any conservation easements. If approved, you receive a permit that's valid for a set period—usually 30 to 90 days. If denied, you can appeal or ask whether removal is possible under different circumstances. Most contractors will handle this paperwork for you as part of their service, though you remain responsible for obtaining the permit before work begins.

Choosing a tree removal contractor

Licensed contractors in Myrtle Beach carry insurance and understand local permit requirements. Look for companies that hold a current business license with the city and can show proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. The South Carolina Forestry Commission maintains a list of certified arborists, though not all tree removal companies employ certified arborists—some are simply licensed contractors who specialize in tree work.

When you contact contractors, ask them to visit your property and give you a written estimate. A good estimate includes the removal cost, stump grinding (if you want it), debris removal, and whether they handle the permit or expect you to obtain it first. Ask how long the job will take and whether they'll need access to your backyard or driveway. Comparing three to five estimates gives you a sense of fair pricing and lets you see which contractors seem most thorough in their assessment.

What happens during and after removal

On removal day, the contractor will typically start early and work until the tree is down and debris is cleared. Large trees may take a full day or more; smaller ones might be finished in a few hours. The crew will cut the tree into sections, remove branches, and either chip the wood or haul it away. If you requested stump grinding, that happens after the tree is down—the grinder reduces the stump to wood chips below ground level, which can then be removed or left to decompose.

After removal, you're left with a bare spot in your yard. Some people plant a new tree; others prefer to let the area settle before deciding. If you want to plant something new, wait at least a few weeks to allow the soil to resettle. The contractor should leave your property clean, with debris removed and the area raked. If you're unhappy with the cleanup or if damage occurred to nearby plants or structures, address this with the contractor before they leave.

Storm damage and emergency removal

Trees damaged in hurricanes or severe storms sometimes need immediate removal for safety reasons. Myrtle Beach has procedures for emergency tree removal that may bypass the standard permit timeline. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department or your city council representative to report a hazardous tree, and they can direct you to emergency protocols. In true emergencies—a tree blocking a road or threatening a house—you may be able to remove it first and notify the city afterward, though this is rare and should only happen when there's genuine immediate danger.

After a major storm, many contractors are overwhelmed with requests. If you need emergency removal, call several contractors at once rather than waiting for callbacks. Some may offer same-day or next-day service for hazardous trees. Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes, as your homeowners policy may cover removal costs if the tree fell on your house or another structure.

Cost factors and what to expect to pay

Tree removal costs in Myrtle Beach depend on several factors: the tree's height and diameter, how close it is to buildings or power lines, whether the stump needs grinding, and how much debris needs hauling. A small tree (under 30 feet) might cost $300 to $800. A medium tree (30 to 60 feet) typically runs $800 to $2,000. Large trees (over 60 feet) can exceed $2,000, sometimes significantly. Stump grinding adds $100 to $400 depending on stump size.

If the tree is near power lines, a structure, or other obstacles, the cost rises because the contractor needs specialized equipment or extra precautions. Trees in difficult-to-access areas (small backyards, dense landscaping) also cost more. Get written estimates from multiple contractors so you can compare pricing and understand what's included. Some contractors bundle stump grinding into the removal price; others charge separately. Ask whether the estimate includes debris removal or if that's an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

Dead trees sometimes have different rules than living trees. Contact the Myrtle Beach Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your dead tree needs a permit. If it poses an immediate safety hazard, you may be able to remove it faster or without a standard permit, but you should still notify the city.

Can I remove a tree myself instead of hiring a contractor?

You can do the work yourself if you have the skills and equipment, but you still need a permit from the city. Most homeowners hire contractors because tree removal requires specialized equipment, training, and insurance. Improper removal can damage property or cause injury.

How long does the permit process take?

The standard permit review takes one to two weeks. Emergency or expedited permits for hazardous trees may be processed faster. Once you have the permit, you typically have 30 to 90 days to complete the removal before the permit expires.

What if my homeowners association has rules about tree removal?

Homeowners associations often have their own tree removal policies that apply alongside city rules. Check your association's bylaws or contact the management company. You may need approval from both the association and the city before removing a tree.

Can I keep the wood from my tree?

Yes. Discuss this with your contractor before they start work. Some contractors will leave the wood for you to use as firewood or mulch; others charge extra to haul it away. If you want to keep it, make sure you have space to store it and a plan for what to do with it.