Decatur, GA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Sec. 15 of the City of Decatur's Unified Development Ordinance creates a Landmark Tree program distinct from the ordinary protected-tree rules that govern every tree citywide. Any tree may be considered, but only a property owner can start the process, nominating a qualifying tree on their own land by written request to the City Arborist or the UDO Administrator; the City Arborist reviews the nomination and the City Commission decides whether to accept it. Once approved, the Landmark Tree designation runs with the property and the tree cannot be intentionally removed, destroyed or disturbed, meaning the protection survives a sale of the property and cannot simply be waived by a new owner.

To qualify, Sec. C requires the tree be free of untreatable disease, pests or serious injury, have a life expectancy of ten years or more, be structurally sound enough to pose no public hazard, and meet at least two of four additional standards: a documented historical association or location on a historic site, unusually high aesthetic value, unique or notable character based on age, species, variety, location, size or crown development, or a minimum trunk diameter of 26 inches for overstory or canopy trees and 10 inches for understory trees.

Designation carries a real incentive along with the restriction: under Sec. 5 times its actual canopy area toward a site's tree canopy cover credit, and Sec. 2 requires all Landmark Tree canopy on single-family residential lots to be conserved outright. If a Landmark Tree later fails the designation criteria, Sec. A. Basic Tree Risk Assessment, subject to UDO Administrator and City Arborist approval and the standard canopy-replacement requirements. The City Arborist keeps and publishes a roster of Landmark Trees, provided to the City Clerk annually under Sec. E.