Roswell's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Roswell, Georgia, there are 3 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.

Parkway Planting

Roswell's Unified Development Code requires one shade tree every 40 feet on center along all city streets, or one understory tree every 20 feet where overhead utility lines run along the frontage. Developers in this Fulton County, Georgia city must also meet UDC design, installation and maintenance rules for every required street tree, enforced with fines up to $2,000 per day.

Key details: Shade tree spacing: One every 40 feet on center. Understory substitute: One every 20 feet under overhead utilities. Replacement bond: 100% of landscaping cost, held 2 years. Dead tree replacement: Within 90 days (180 in bad weather). Topping ban: No removal of over 1/3 of canopy.

Failing to plant, maintain or replace required street trees is enforceable under UDC § 13.14. The City issues a written notice of violation describing the defect and a compliance deadline; uncured violations can draw withheld certificates of occupancy, suspended or revoked permits, and monetary penalties up to $2,000 per day, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate violation.

Protected Tree Species

Roswell, Georgia grants elevated 'specimen tree' protection based on species group and trunk size, from 8-inch dogwoods to 30-inch pines, triggering permit and mitigation rules on qualifying trees.

Key details: Small trees (dogwood, cherry): 8 in. DBH. Midstory (maple, magnolia, holly): 16 in. DBH. Overstory hardwoods (oak, hickory): 20 in. DBH. Overstory softwoods (pine): 30 in. DBH.

Misclassifying or removing a qualifying specimen tree without following the species-size test invites enforcement under UDC Sec. 12.1.3's specimen tree removal and fee provisions.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Roswell, Georgia requires written justification, City engineering approval, and a per-tree mitigation fee up to $1,000 before a protected specimen tree can be removed.

Key details: Permit required: before any specimen tree removal. Approval authority: Engineering Director. Fee (permitted removal): $500 per tree density unit. Fee (unpermitted removal): $1,000 per tree density unit.

Removing a specimen tree without an approved permit doubles the mitigation fee to $1,000 per tree density unit and exposes the responsible party to UDC Sec. 13.14 penalties.

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

The Bottom Line

Roswell'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 Roswell is broadly strict or permissive.

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.