Tree Protection in Clayton County, GA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Clayton County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Clayton County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Protected Tree Species

Clayton County singles out large, old, or historically significant trees as 'specimen trees' for extra protection under Code of Ordinances Sec. 86-71. Qualifying hardwoods 24 inches in diameter or larger, softwoods 30 inches or larger, and understory trees four inches or larger get double density credit when preserved, and removing one without approval carries the ordinance's steepest replacement penalty.

Clayton County Specimen Tree Protection Rules

Significant Restrictions

Clayton County Code of Ordinances § 86-71

Some trees on a site warrant special consideration and protection for conservation. These trees are referred to as specimen trees. The following criteria are used by the administrator to identify specimen trees. Both the size and condition criteria must be met for a tree to qualify, with the exception of trees designated as specimen trees for historic or cultural purposes. Size criteria. Large ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

Every Clayton County subdivision must line its streets with trees: Sec. 86-160 requires one street tree for every 40 feet of frontage, each at least 2 1/2 inches in caliper, planted only from an approved species list and kept clear of sidewalks, utilities, fire hydrants and intersections.

Clayton County Street Tree Planting Standards

Some Restrictions

Code of Clayton County, GA Sec. 86-160

All subdivisions shall be required to provide street trees along all streets within and adjacent to the subdivision. Street trees shall be planted on adjacent private properties or as permitted by the department of transportation and development. The location shall not present a hazard for underground or overhead utilities or public safety. One street tree shall be planted for every 40 feet of ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Clayton County ordinances

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