Heritage & Protected Trees: Lawrenceville vs Suwanee
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Lawrenceville, GA and Suwanee, GA?
Lawrenceville and Suwanee have similar restriction levels.
Lawrenceville, GA
Gwinnett County
Heritage and specimen trees protected by Lawrenceville's tree ordinance. Removal requires arborist review and supermajority justification (disease, safety, or unreasonable hardship).
View full Lawrenceville rules →Suwanee, GA
Gwinnett County
Suwanee designates specimen and heritage trees for protection based on species and DBH thresholds. Removal requires formal review, higher replacement ratios, and may be denied.
View full Suwanee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lawrenceville | Suwanee |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen Size | 27"+ hardwood / 30"+ pine DBH | - |
| Review | City arborist / planning director | - |
| Removal | Only for cause | Strict review |
| Penalty | 3:1 replacement + $1,000/tree | - |
| Development | Design around specimens | Preserve where feasible |
| Specimen DBH | - | 24-30 inches typical |
| Replacement | - | 1:1+ caliper inches |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lawrenceville FAQ
What qualifies as a heritage tree in Lawrenceville?
Large specimens exceeding the DBH thresholds or trees designated for historic/cultural significance by the city.
What's the penalty for cutting a specimen tree without approval?
3:1 replacement planting plus roughly $1,000 per tree in fines, on top of any stop-work or restoration orders from Planning.
What size tree qualifies as a specimen in Lawrenceville?
Typically hardwoods 27 inches DBH or larger and pines 30 inches DBH or larger. The city arborist or planning director makes the final call.
Suwanee FAQ
What makes a tree a 'specimen' in Suwanee?
Typically species (hardwoods like oak, hickory) and DBH above the ordinance threshold (often 24-30 inches). Contact Planning for the current list and size.
Can I ever remove a specimen tree?
Only with permit approval based on disease, hazard, or hardship, and usually with enhanced replacement or fee-in-lieu.
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