Forsyth County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Forsyth County, GA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Homeowner tree permit
- Not required
- Trigger
- Land disturbance permit
- Density standard
- 20 tree units per acre
- Boundary protection
- No disturbance within 25 ft
- HOA
- May require approval
Summary
Forsyth County issues no tree-removal permit for ordinary yard work on a single-family lot. Its Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance requires a tree plan only when you pull a land disturbance permit for development, which must protect boundary trees and meet a density standard.
In order to protect Boundary Trees and trees on adjoining property, there shall be no Land-Disturbing Activity conducted within 25-feet of the property line except for utilities.
Full Breakdown
The permit that matters in Forsyth County is the land disturbance permit, not a stand-alone tree permit. Under Ordinance 98, every land disturbance permit application must include an approved Tree Protection and/or Replacement Plan meeting a site density factor of 20 tree units per acre. The ordinance also protects trees along shared lines: no land-disturbing activity may occur within 25 feet of a property line except for utilities. Individual homeowners doing ordinary maintenance, home gardens, or minor work on a single-family dwelling are exempt, so no permit is needed to remove your own yard tree. HOA covenants can add a private approval step.
Violations & Fines
None from the county for removing your own trees on a developed lot. A land disturbance permit will not issue without an approved tree plan, and disturbing protected boundary trees violates the ordinance and can stop work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Forsyth County require a tree-removal permit?
How close to the property line can trees be cleared?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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