Heritage & Protected Trees: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Atlanta and Roswell have similar restriction levels.
Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Atlanta – the "City in a Forest" – protects every tree on private property 6 inches DBH or larger under City Code Chapter 158. Removal of a healthy tree requires a permit from the Arborist Division, a 15-day public posting, and either on-site replacement or payment into the Tree Recompense Fund at appraised value.
View full Atlanta rules →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
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.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| DBH threshold | 6-inch DBH (any species) | - |
| Public posting | 15 days on the tree | - |
| Recompense Fund | $30 per inch (typical) into fund | - |
| Heritage Tree bonus | 2x recompense for Heritage designation | - |
| Permit | Arborist Division approval required | - |
| Definition | - | Fair-or-better condition, special size/species/condition |
| Replacement | - | Canopy-value based |
| Tree Bank | - | Required if shortfall on-site |
| Approving Authority | - | City Arborist |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
Can I cut a 6-inch tree in my backyard?
Not without a permit. Atlanta regulates every tree on private property 6 inches DBH or larger, regardless of species or location. Apply through the Arborist Division online portal.
What is the Tree Recompense Fund?
A city fund you pay into when you can't replant on-site. Amounts are based on the appraised value of the removed tree – typically $30 per caliper inch, more for Heritage specimens.
Is my big oak a Heritage Tree?
Heritage status requires formal designation by the City Arborist. Check the Heritage Tree register online. Even non-Heritage oaks 6+ inches DBH still require a permit to remove.
Roswell FAQ
What is a Roswell specimen tree?
Any tree in fair or better condition that qualifies for special protection due to size, species, or condition. Determination is made by the City Arborist during permit review.
What is the City Tree Bank?
A city fund that receives payments when on-site tree replacement is insufficient. The fund pays for city-led replanting elsewhere in Roswell to maintain canopy coverage.
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