Atlanta's tree protection ordinance sets out strict rules limiting the removal of trees, protecting trees during construction, and specifying when new trees must be planted. The ultimate goal of the ordinance is to prevent a net loss of trees in the city, and to protect "mature" trees. In particular, a permit is required before any tree with a diameter larger than 6" can be removed. In many cases, new trees must be planted to replace those that have been cut down. The City Arborist makes decisions regarding day-to-day implementation of the ordinance, and those decisions may be appealed to the Tree Conservation Commission.

 

Seven Good Reasons to support you local Tree Protection Ordinance:

1. It protects existing trees and older "specimen" trees, not just require replanting to "replace" trees cut down.

2. It focuses on planning for tree save areas at the earliest stages of the development process, not as an unfeasible afterthought. A tree plan should be submitted at the same time as the development plant.

3. It requires planting shade trees in parking lots and along streets where appropriate. Parking lots contribute greatly to the "heat island effect" and should be planted with shade trees to offset this problem. Street trees are also important, but large overstory trees, such as oaks and maples, should not be planted directly under power lines where they will not be allowed to achieve their shade or aesthetic potential.

4. It protects trees from unnecessary damage during construction.

5. It requires sufficient amounts of replanting when trees must be cut down.

6. It requires that trees along public streets are pruned in a healthy and aesthetic manner.

7. It has the goal of no net loss of trees over time in the area.

 

Where Can I find my local Tree Protection Ordinance?

Tree Ordinances are enforced by both cities and counties so if you live within the limits of any city you need to contact your city council members, but if you live in an unincorporated portion of the county you will need to contact your County Commissioners.

 

How can I report a Tree Violation?

1. Call your city or county arborist. View Contacts.

2. Call your county commissioners or city council members, and your mayor. Call more than one person and keep a list of your calls. View Contacts.

3. If you report a flagrant violation and staff response is slow, call the press, especially local papers such as the extras and neighborhood papers, and your local TV station.

Of course, it's best to get involved before trees are cut down. Your neighborhood association should know of zoning changes and applications for development in your area. Watch for postings for new zonings, variances or tree removals; however, these may not accurately indicate the true status of a project. Appeals can save trees and improve landscaping plans if done early enough!

When trees have been cut down, it may be in violation of a tree protection ordinance. A good rule of thumb is to report it if more than 75% of the trees have been cleared on a site, or if large, older, individual trees have been or are scheduled to be cut.

Some ordinances, such as in Fulton and DeKalb counties, require the County Arborist's approval before cutting down very large "specimen" trees. Other ordinances have no protections at all for existing trees of any size. It is important to know what's legal and what's not according to the tree ordinance for your area.

Cities of Metro Atlanta and their municipality websites:

Alpharetta	www.alpharetta.ga.us
Atlanta	www.atlantaga.gov
Chamblee	www.chambleega.com
Clarkston	www.cityofclarkston.com
College Park	www.collegeparkga.com
Conyers	www.conyersga.com
Duluth	www.duluth-ga.com
East Point	www.eastpointcity.org
Fayetteville	http://www.fayetteville-ga.gov/
Marietta	www.mariettaga.gov
Newnan	www.ci.newnan.ga.us
Norcross	www.norcrossga.net
Pine Lake	www.pinelake.georgia.gov
Roswell	www.ci.roswell.ga.us
Smyrna	www.ci.smyrna.ga.us
Snellville	www.snellville.org
Stone Mountain	www.stonemountain.georgia.gov