Tree Protection in Roswell, GA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Roswell, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Specimen Tree Removal Rules in Roswell, GA
Significant RestrictionsRoswell Unified Development Code § 12.1.3.B
No specimen tree may be removed except in accordance with the following requirements. ... Any applicant proposing to remove a specimen tree must apply for a tree removal permit ... the applicant must provide a written explanation as to why the specimen tree cannot be retained on the site. ... If removal of a specimen tree is approved by the Engineering Director, then prior to issuing the tree r...
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.
Protected Tree Species Sizes in Roswell, GA
Some RestrictionsRoswell Unified Development Code § 14.2 (Defined Terms — "Specimen tree")
Specimen tree. Any tree, as defined by this article, in fair or better condition, which qualifies for special consideration for preservation due to size, species, or condition, and which meets one of the following: 1)8" dbh - Small trees such as dogwood, sourwood, cherry, etc.2)16" dbh - Midstory trees such as maple, birch, magnolia, holly, etc.3)20" dbh - Overstory hardwoods such as oak, hi...
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.
Roswell GA Street Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsRoswell Unified Development Code § 11.4.7
11.4.7. - Street Tree Planting A.One shade tree must be planted every 40 feet on center, on average on all streets, as illustrated in this Section. Where overhead utilities exist, one understory tree planted every 20 feet on center, on average, must be substituted for the required shade tree.B.All required street trees must meet the design, installation and maintenance requirements of Sec. 10.2...
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Roswell city rules.
Tree Protection in Fulton County →