Walker County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 16-489(c) of the Walker County Code, part of chapter 16's public nuisance article, puts the duty squarely on the owner or occupant of any lot or land lying and abutting on an intersection of 2 streets or the intersection of a driveway and a street. It is unlawful to let trees, shrubs, or bushes on that property grow to a height, or in a manner, that restricts the line of sight, threatens safety, or restricts the passage of motorists or pedestrians within a public right-of-way or sidewalk.

The rule works alongside section 16-488(2), which separately lists vegetation obstructing the safe passage or line-of-sight of motorists or pedestrians at an intersection or driveway connection as an illustrative nuisance, and alongside section 16-488(1), which bans weeds or grass over 12 inches. Because obstruction complaints fall under the general nuisance framework, the county's Law Enforcement Officials can issue a citation immediately under section 16-491(a), or serve the owner a written notice to abate under section 16-493 giving 15 days to cut back the vegetation before the county files in Magistrate Court.

A conviction is punished under the Code's general penalty, section 1-13: a fine up to $1,000.00, up to six months in jail, or both, and every day the obstruction continues after a correction deadline is treated as a separate offense. If the owner does not comply, section 16-493(b)(3) lets the county enter the property, cut back or remove the vegetation itself, and bill the owner for the cost as a lien against the property.