Tree Protection in South Fulton, GA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for South Fulton, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
South Fulton lets the director of community development designate any tree a protected heritage tree for its notable age, size, or historical association. Once designated under Sec. 14-6003, removing or damaging it without the City Arborist's written approval is its own code violation, subject to a stop-work order and daily fines.
South Fulton Heritage Tree Designation Rules
Significant RestrictionsCity of South Fulton Code of Ordinances § 14-6003(33)(a)-(c)
(33)Tree(s):a.Tree: Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which has a trunk diameter of two inches or more measured at a point six inches above the ground level, and which normally obtains a height of at least ten feet at maturity, usually with one main stem or trunk and many branches.b.Heritage tree: A tree which is designated upon approval by the director of the department or authorized a...
Protected Tree Species
South Fulton's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects specific tree species once they reach a set diameter: large hardwoods like oak, hickory, poplar and sweetgum at 27 inches DBH, beech and softwoods like pine and Deodar cedar at 24 inches, and small flowering species like dogwood, redbud and sourwood at 10 inches. Meeting the threshold in fair condition makes a tree a legally protected specimen or heritage tree.
South Fulton Protected Tree Species and Sizes
Significant RestrictionsCity of South Fulton Code of Ordinances, Appendix E - Administrative Guidelines for Tree Preservation, § I.B.1 (Standards for Specimen and Heritage Trees)
Specimen and Heritage Tree: Any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following diameter sizes. Large hardwoods 27" d.b.h. Oak, Hickory, Yellow Poplar, Sweetgum, etc. Large hardwood 24" d.b.h. Beech Large softwoods 24" d.b.h. Pine, Deodar Cedar Small Native Flowering 10" d.b.h. Dogwood, Redbud, Sourwood A tree in fair or better condition must meet the following minimum st...
Parkway Planting
South Fulton does not blanket every subdivision street with mandatory street trees. Under Subdivision Regulations Sections 8.5.1 and 8.5.2, a developer plants street trees on both sides of a road only if the Director or the Tree Ordinance requires it for that project, with the City Arborist setting spacing and, on other street types, the whole planting cross section.
South Fulton Street Tree Planting Standards
Light RestrictionsSouth Fulton Subdivision Regulations §§ 8.5.1(E), 8.5.2(E) (Street Trees)
D.Sidewalks: In accordance with city regulations.E.Street Trees: If required by the Director, installed on both sides at a spacing approved by the City Arborist.8.5.2The minimum requirements for minor subdivision streets shall be as follows: ... D.Sidewalks: In accordance with City regulations.E.Street Trees: If required by the Tree Ordinance, shall be installed on both sides at a spacing appro...
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement South Fulton city rules.
Tree Protection in Fulton County →