Atlanta, GA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Who designates
- Tree conservation commission, by resolution
- Basis
- Age, size, or historic association
- Who can apply
- City arborist or any interested person
- Removal shortcut
- Blocked for designated historic trees
- Records kept by
- Municipal clerk maintains the listing
Summary
Atlanta's tree conservation commission can designate any tree, public or private, as a historic tree for its age, size, or historic association, and once so listed it cannot be removed through the tree ordinance's streamlined minor-amendment process.
Historic tree. A tree that has been designated by the tree conservation commission, upon application by the city arborist or any other interested person, to be of notable historic value and interest because of its age, size, or historic association, in accordance with the City arboricultural specifications and standards of practice. Such designation may occur only by resolution of the commission, and the secretary to the commission shall maintain and file with the municipal clerk a complete listing of the location of each historic tree.
Illegally removed tree. Any tree that is removed or destroyed without a permit.
Imminent likelihood of failure. A tree for which failure has started or is most likely to occur in the near future even without significant wind or increased load, has an imminent likelihood of failure. This condition occurs infrequently and may require immediate action to protect people from harm. Examples of imminent likelihood of failure include without limitation:
sudden change of pitch of the main stem; cracked or heaved soil opposite the tree's lean; visibly raised root plate; and cracks or breaks in the main stem or large leader.
Full Breakdown
Any tree in the city, public or private, can be designated 'historic' by the tree conservation commission, on application from the city arborist or any interested resident, based on its age, size, or historic association; designation happens only by commission resolution and is logged in a listing filed with the municipal clerk. The status carries real teeth: under the tree ordinance's minor-amendment rule, a city arborist cannot expand an already-issued removal permit to reach a tree designated historic. Removing one requires the full tree-removal permit and posting process, with appeal rights to the commission.
Violations & Fines
Removing or destroying a designated historic tree without an approved permit is treated as illegal tree destruction: the responsible party faces recompense based on the tree's DBH plus fines and citations enforced through Atlanta Municipal Court under City Code § 1-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate a tree for historic designation myself?
Does historic designation mean a tree can never be removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle heritage & protected trees.