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Augusta-Richmond County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Removal deadline
10 days from written notice
Trigger
Hazard finding by Traffic Engineering
Covers
Trees, shrubbery, hedging
Default penalty
Up to $1,000 fine, 60 days jail
Not covered
Blythe, Hephzibah (own codes)

Summary

Traffic Engineering flags intersections where trees, shrubbery, or hedging block sightlines over sidewalks or interfere with fire hydrants, then orders the property owner to remove them within ten days of written notice.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Augusta-Richmond County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Upon Traffic Engineering having determined any intersection to be hazardous to life and property ... he shall notify the owner of the property having trees, shrubbery, hedging, etc. ... to remove such trees, shrubbery, hedging, etc., which notice shall provide that such removal shall be accomplished within ten days from the date of such notice.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).

Full Breakdown

Traffic Engineering surveys Augusta-Richmond County intersections and fire hydrants for trees, shrubbery, and hedging that obstruct the view of traffic and pedestrians or interfere with hydrant operation. Once an intersection or hydrant is found hazardous, the property owner gets written notice requiring removal within ten days. Ignoring that notice is a separate, prosecutable offense. This rule runs through the consolidated government's territory; Blythe and Hephzibah, which stayed separate municipalities after the 1996 city-county consolidation, enforce their own codes on this subject.

Violations & Fines

Failing to comply with a removal notice is unlawful under Sec. 3-8-16 and is referred for prosecution, subject to the Sec. 1-6-1 default penalty: up to a $1,000 fine, 60 days in jail, or both, with each day a continuing violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Augusta-Richmond County require routine tree trimming?
No. The code only requires removal once Traffic Engineering finds trees, shrubbery, or hedging blocking an intersection view or a fire hydrant and issues written notice; there is no blanket trimming schedule.
What happens if I miss the 10-day deadline?
Failure to comply is itself unlawful under Sec. 3-8-16, and the case is referred for prosecution subject to Sec. 1-6-1's general penalty of up to $1,000 and 60 days in jail.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Augusta-Richmond County rules

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