Tree Protection in Effingham County, GA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Effingham County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In unincorporated Effingham County a tree qualifying as landmark, specimen, or champion cannot be removed except when a certified arborist confirms it is a hazard or no feasible alternative exists. The county manager or designee makes the call, and mitigation for cutting one down runs three times steeper than for an ordinary protected tree.
Landmark Tree Protection, Effingham County
Significant RestrictionsEffingham County Code §§ 30-403, 30-425(b)
Landmark tree means a tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater that also exhibits form relative to its species; species rarity; cultural significance; or historical importance as determined by the county manager or their designee. ... Removal of specimen, landmark, or champion trees is prohibited except when certified as hazard trees or no feasible alternative exists ...
Protected Tree Species
Effingham County protects specific tree species once they hit a minimum trunk diameter: Tier 1 species like live oak and longleaf pine at 16 inches DBH, Tier 2 species like white oak and American holly at 24 inches DBH. Removing one without a permit draws a minimum $500 fine per tree.
Protected Tree Species List, Effingham County
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Code § 30-403
Protected trees means trees designated under this article as requiring a permit for removal or alteration, including, but not limited to: (1)Any landmark, specimen, or champion tree; or(2)Any tree identified within the tiered protected species list below that meets or exceeds the applicable minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) threshold: Tier 1 Protected Trees (Minimum 16 inches DBH) ... Tie...
Parkway Planting
Development in unincorporated Effingham County must plant street trees no farther than 50 feet apart, prioritize native and non-invasive species, and keep at least 75 percent of replacement trees native to the region. The requirement runs through the county's Chapter 30 tree ordinance rather than a separate parkway code.
Street Tree Planting Rules, Effingham County
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Code § 30-426
(c)Native, non-invasive species shall be prioritized.(d)Street trees shall be planted at intervals not exceeding 50 feet, unless otherwise approved.(e)At least 75 percent of replacement trees planted shall be native species to the Effingham County region of Georgia.
All Effingham County ordinances
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