How Roswell Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Roswell, Georgia, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Heritage & Protected Trees

The UDC defines 'specimen trees' as any tree in fair or better condition that qualifies for special consideration due to size, species, or condition. Removing a specimen tree requires special assessment and contribution to the City Tree Bank if replacement on-site is insufficient.

Key details: Definition: Fair-or-better condition, special size/species/condition. Replacement: Canopy-value based. Tree Bank: Required if shortfall on-site. Approving Authority: City Arborist.

Removing a specimen tree without permit and proper assessment compounds the $1,000-per-tree base penalty with a multiplier for the lost canopy value. Repeated violations can carry combined civil and Municipal Court penalties exceeding $10,000 for large trees.

Compared to other cities, Roswell takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal Permits

UDC §12.1.3 requires a permit to remove, poison, damage, trim, or transplant any tree 3 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH). Removal without a permit triggers an automatic $1,000-per-tree penalty.

Key details: Code Section: Roswell UDC §12.1.3. DBH Threshold: 3 inches. Species Threshold: Trees reaching 15 ft mature height. Penalty: $1,000 per tree (no permit). Contact: City Landscape Architect (770) 594-6293.

Removing a regulated tree without a permit results in an automatic $1,000-per-tree civil penalty plus replacement requirements. Repeat or large-scale violations can be referred to Municipal Court with additional fines up to $1,000 per day.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Roswell actively enforces its tree removal permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Roswell is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Roswell, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Roswell's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.