Columbus, GA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Designated by
- Tree Board, on application
- Criteria
- size, age, history, ecological value
- Also covers
- GA State, US, World Champion trees
- Recordkeeper
- City Arborist
- Removal needs
- Arborist or Tree Board approval
Summary
Columbus, Georgia's Tree Board can designate a tree an Exceptional Specimen Tree, its version of a heritage or landmark tree, for exceptional size, age, historic association, ecological value, or state/national champion status, then protect it from removal.
Exceptional Specimen Tree means any tree which upon application is determined by the Tree Board to be a unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association or ecological value or any tree designated a Georgia State Champion, United States Champion or World Champion by the American Forestry Association. The City Arborist shall keep a record of all specimen trees so designated and their location.
Existing construction means, for the purposes of flood damage prevention requirements, any structure for which the start of construction commenced before March 1, 1983.
Existing grade means the vertical location of the existing ground surface prior to cutting or filling.
Express or parcel delivery service means an establishment engaged in the delivery, receipt, and transmittal of documents, packages and parcels.
Extended stay hotel means a hotel, motel or inn containing ten or more sleeping rooms used for temporary occupancy of transients and containing cooking facilities in more than 50 percent of the individual rooms.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
The Unified Development Ordinance lets a property owner apply to the Tree Board to have a tree recognized as an Exceptional Specimen Tree based on its size, age, historic association, or ecological value, or because it's a Georgia State, United States, or World Champion tree under American Forestry Association rankings. The City Arborist keeps a record of every designated specimen tree and its location. Once designated, the tree becomes a legally 'protected tree' under UDO § 13.1.1, alongside Beautification Plan Trees and Public Protected Trees, and it may only be cut down with permission from the City Arborist or, on appeal, the Tree Board.
Violations & Fines
Cutting down or damaging a Tree Board-designated Exceptional Specimen Tree without City Arborist or Tree Board permission is a UDO violation, enforceable the same as removing any other protected tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tree get heritage status in Columbus, Georgia?
Can a designated specimen tree be cut down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Georgia tree protection overview
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