Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Atlanta and Roswell have similar restriction levels.
Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Atlanta's tree protection ordinance (Chapter 158) requires a permit to remove any tree with DBH of 6 inches or more on private property. The city overhauled its tree ordinance in June 2025, effective January 1, 2026, increasing recompense caps significantly.
View full Atlanta rules →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell UDC §12.1 requires a tree removal permit before removing, poisoning, damaging, trimming, or transplanting any tree with a 3-inch trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) on residential property. Removal without a permit triggers a $1,000-per-tree penalty.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Atlanta Chapter 158 (§158-101) | Roswell UDC Art. 12, §12.1 |
| Permit Trigger | DBH ≥6 inches (pines ≥12 in.) | - |
| Recompense Formula | $100/tree + $30/DBH inch (net) | - |
| R-1/R-2 Cap (eff. 2026) | $35,000/acre | - |
| First Violation Fine | Min. $500 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | 3 inches DBH |
| Specimen Trees | - | Special protection + Tree Bank contribution |
| Penalty (no permit) | - | $1,000 per tree |
| Contact | - | City Landscape Architect (770) 594-6293 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Atlanta?
Atlanta's tree protection ordinance (Chapter 158) requires a permit to remove any tree with DBH of 6 inches or more on private property. The city overhauled its tree ordinance in June 2025, effective January 1, 2026, increasing recompense caps significantly.
What are the tree removal rules in Atlanta?
Code: Atlanta Chapter 158 (§158-101). Permit Trigger: DBH ≥6 inches (pines ≥12 in.). Recompense Formula: $100/tree + $30/DBH inch (net). R-1/R-2 Cap (eff. 2026): $35,000/acre.
Roswell FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Roswell?
Yes, if the trunk is 3 inches or more in diameter at breast height. Removing without a permit triggers an automatic $1,000-per-tree fine under UDC §12.1.3.
What if my tree is dead or hazardous?
You can remove dead or hazardous trees, but must notify the City Arborist first and document the tree's condition (typically with a certified arborist's report).
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