Tree Protection in Fulton County, GA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Fulton County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Fulton County's tree preservation ordinance singles out heritage trees for extra protection: Code § 26-398(32)(b) lets the director of the department, or an authorized agent, designate a tree 'heritage' for its age, size or historical association, and § 26-401 makes illegally removing a designated heritage tree a citable violation in unincorporated Fulton County.
Fulton County Heritage Tree Designation Rule
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code § 26-398(32)(a)-(b)
(32)Tree:a.Tree: Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which has a trunk diameter of two inches or more measured at a point six inches above the ground level and which normally obtains a height of at least ten feet at maturity, usually with one main stem or trunk and many branches.b.Heritage tree: A tree which is designated upon approval by the director of the department or authorized agent...
Protected Tree Species
Removing a county arborist-designated specimen tree anywhere in unincorporated Fulton County is unlawful without the arborist's express written permission.
Fulton County Specimen Tree Protection
Significant RestrictionsFulton County Code § 26-400(c)
Not withstanding any of the other requirements of these regulations, it shall be unlawful to remove a specimen tree without the express written permission of the county arborist or authorized agent(s). Administrative standards have been established by the director of the department for the identification, preservation and protection of specimen trees.
Tree Protection by City in Fulton County
2 cities in Fulton County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Fulton County ordinances
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