Tree Protection in Cherokee County, GA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Cherokee County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cherokee County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Cherokee County's Board of Commissioners designates individual heritage trees on the Arborist's recommendation, and the homeowner exemption that otherwise lets residents remove trees on their own lot never covers a tree once it carries that designation. Unauthorized removal or permanent damage triggers an immediate stop-work order, a fine of at least $1,000, and replacement planting at eight times the tree's density value.
Cherokee County Heritage Tree Protection Rule
Heavy RestrictionsCherokee County Zoning Ordinance §§ 27.3, 27.4-1.1.3
Heritage tree: Any tree which is determined by Cherokee County to be of unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association, unique species to the region, ecological value or any tree designated a Georgia State Champion, United States Champion or World Champion by the American Forestry Association (Refer to Appendix B)... Upon recommendation by the ar...
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