Tree Protection in Atlanta, GA

If you live in Atlanta or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Atlanta has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Parkway Planting

Commercial developments in Atlanta must plant street trees along every public and private street frontage, spaced no more than 40 feet apart and set within 20 feet of the curb or sidewalk.

Key details: Max spacing: 40 feet on center. Setback from curb/sidewalk: within 20 feet. Min distance to curb: 18 inches. Species mix: at least 50% overstory. Enforced by: City Arborist.

Developments that skip required street trees or violate spacing/species rules can be denied a certificate of occupancy until the City Arborist confirms compliant plantings; violations of Chapter 158 are also enforceable under § 158-86.

Protected Tree Species

Atlanta protects trees by size, not species: any tree 6 inches DBH or larger (12 inches for pines) needs a city arborist permit to remove, with replacement or recompense required. Invasive species like Callery pear get a lighter removal track and owe no recompense.

Key details: Protected size threshold: 6" DBH (12" for pines). Eased species examples: Callery pear, Chinese holly, tree of heaven. Enforcing agency: City Arborist, Dept. of City Planning. First illegal-removal fine: $500 per tree destroyed. Invasive list authority: Tree Conservation Commission approves updates.

Illegally destroying a regulated tree draws a $500 fine for a first violation and $1,000 for each later one, with each tree counted as a separate offense, plus mandatory replacement or recompense under Sec. 158-86.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Atlanta's tree conservation commission can designate any tree, public or private, as a historic tree for its age, size, or historic association, and once so listed it cannot be removed through the tree ordinance's streamlined minor-amendment process.

Key details: Who designates: Tree conservation commission, by resolution. Basis: Age, size, or historic association. Who can apply: City arborist or any interested person. Removal shortcut: Blocked for designated historic trees. Records kept by: Municipal clerk maintains the listing.

Removing or destroying a designated historic tree without an approved permit is treated as illegal tree destruction: the responsible party faces recompense based on the tree's DBH plus fines and citations enforced through Atlanta Municipal Court under City Code § 1-8.

The Bottom Line

Atlanta's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Atlanta is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Atlanta's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.