Johns Creek, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Street tree authority
- Public works department, not private owners
- Standard
- ANSI A-300 tree care required
- Topping
- Unlawful for any city department
- Utility clearance
- Ornamental species only within 15 feet
Summary
Johns Creek's public works department has sole authority to plant, prune, and remove street and right-of-way trees, following ANSI A300 standards, and topping street or park trees is unlawful for any city department.
The director of the public works department and/or their designee, shall have full authority and responsibility to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees and woody plants growing in or upon all municipal streets and rights-of-way... It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Johns Creek's Care of Public Trees ordinance splits authority over public trees in Fulton County, Georgia: the public works director controls trees on municipal streets and rights-of-way, including removing trees that threaten electrical, gas, or water/sewer lines, while recreation and parks covers park trees. All planting and pruning must follow ANSI A-300 tree care standards and International Society of Arboriculture best-management practices. No tree may be planted inside a street intersection's visibility triangle or within ten feet of a fire hydrant, and only species on the city's approved ornamental list may go under or within 15 feet of overhead utility lines. Topping any public tree is barred as normal practice.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful topping of a public tree, unauthorized pruning of city street or park trees, or interference with city tree crews enforced by the community development department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Johns Creek top or prune a street tree however it wants?
Who is responsible for trees along Johns Creek streets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johns Creek
Compare Johns Creek to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle tree trimming.