Dunwoody, GA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen hardwood threshold
- 24 in. DBH minimum
- Specimen softwood threshold
- 30 in. DBH minimum
- Specimen understory threshold
- 6 in. DBH minimum
- Authorized removal replacement
- 1.5x unit value, § 16-110(d)
- Unauthorized removal replacement
- Up to 3x unit value, § 16-110(d)(1)
- Preservation density credit
- 1.5x-2x, § 16-110(b)
Summary
Dunwoody's code protects specimen and special trees by size and condition criteria rather than a discretionary landmark list: hardwoods at 24 inches DBH, softwoods at 30 inches, understory at 6 inches qualify as specimen trees, triggering heightened replacement obligations when removed.
(a)Criteria. Some trees on a site warrant special consideration and encouragement for preservation. These trees are referred to as specimen or special trees. The following criteria are used by the city arborist to identify specimen and special trees. Both the size and condition must be met for a tree to qualify.(1)Tree size. Criteria Special Trees Specimen Trees Minimum size for hardwoods 14" to 23" DBH 24" DBH Minimum size for softwoods 20" to 29" DBH 30" DBH Minimum size for understory trees 4" to 5" DBH 6" DBH Minimum Life Expectancy 25 years 15 years ... (d)Removal of specimen trees. All specimen trees must be replaced by species with potential for comparable size and quality with three-inch caliper or larger trees at a density of one and one-half times the unit value of the tree removed; for example, a 30-inch DBH specimen tree (4.9 density units) must be replaced with 7.35 units. Specimen tree replacement density is in addition to the minimum required density for the site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
Section 16-110(a) defines specimen and special trees using both a size and a condition test, applied by the city arborist. The size table sets specimen thresholds at 24-inch DBH for hardwoods, 30-inch DBH for softwoods, and 6-inch DBH for understory trees, with a lower special-tree tier at 14 to 23 inches, 20 to 29 inches, and 4 to 5 inches respectively, plus a minimum 15-year life expectancy for specimen trees versus 25 years for special trees. Section 16-110(a)(2) adds condition requirements: a relatively sound trunk without extensive decay, no more than one major dead limb, no major insect or pathological problems, no major pruning defects like topping, and at least 75 percent of the critical root zone left undisturbed.
5 times the standard unit value, rising to double if a certified arborist documents corrective care such as cabling or supplemental irrigation. 35 units of new trees, on top of the site's normal minimum tree density.
Violations & Fines
Removing or fatally damaging a specimen tree without the city arborist's review and approval carries a steeper penalty than ordinary tree loss: section 16-110(d)(1) requires replacement with four-inch caliper or larger trees at up to three times the unit value of the tree removed, and the critical root zone area must stay undisturbed to allow replanting. Separately, section 16-114(b) makes any tree cut, damaged or poisoned in violation of the tree protection provisions punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00 per tree in Dunwoody Municipal Court, with each tree a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'specimen tree' in Dunwoody?
Is there extra penalty for removing a specimen tree without approval?
Can I get credit for keeping a specimen tree instead of removing it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dunwoody
Compare Dunwoody to another location·View the Georgia tree protection overview
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