Fulton County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must comply
- Commercial tree-trimming businesses
- Debris covered
- Sawdust, branches, stumps
- Same duty applies to
- Landscapers, nurseries, yard crews
- Scope
- Unincorporated Fulton County
Summary
In unincorporated Fulton County, anyone in the business of trimming or removing trees must haul away all sawdust, branches and stumps from the job site: debris can't be left on the property or dumped in the street.
All persons engaged in the business of trimming or removing trees, shrubbery or similar growth shall remove from the property, where the work is being done, all sawdust, branches, stumps and all portions of the byproduct of the trimming or removal service and dispose of such materials in a lawful manner.(c)All persons engaged in the business of landscaping, nurseries or yard maintenance and who shall contract with a property owner, the owner's agent or the occupant to improve the property, trim or remove shrubbery and trees or maintain yards shall remove from the property all rubbish, including rocks, dirt, glass, trimmings and other byproducts of that service and dispose of such materials in a lawful manner. (Ord. No. 98-0379, 3-4-98; Ord. No. 2018-0971, 12-19-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Fulton County Code § 34-732(b) requires every person engaged in the business of trimming or removing trees, shrubbery or similar growth to remove all sawdust, branches, stumps and other byproducts from the property being worked on and dispose of them lawfully. A companion clause, § 34-732(c), places the same cleanup duty on landscaping, nursery and yard-maintenance contractors. The rule sits in the county's litter control article, which applies in unincorporated Fulton County and other areas under the county's jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
Leaving tree debris on the job site or in the street violates the litter control article; Fulton County Code § 34-742 sets penalties for littering public property, enforced by the Department of Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tree service leave branches piled at the curb in Fulton County?
Does this rule cover homeowners trimming their own trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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