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

Section 328-26 of the Rockdale County Code governs specimen trees, the closest thing the unincorporated county has to a heritage or landmark tree designation. Before submitting a specimen tree concept plan, any development not covered by the article's exemptions must file a specimen tree survey plan, prepared by a certified arborist, authorized registered professional, or registered forester, identifying every tree that meets the size and condition criteria. To qualify, a large hardwood or large softwood must measure 30 inches in diameter at breast height or larger, and a small native flowering species like dogwood, redbud or sourwood must measure at least 10 inches; the tree must also have a life expectancy over 15 years, a sound trunk with less than 20 percent radial dieback, and no major insect or disease problem.

Developers who protect a specimen tree's critical root zone at three feet per inch of diameter earn triple the density credit set out in the county's administrative standards; protecting only one foot per inch earns no credit but also requires no recompense if the tree is later lost. A specimen tree can also qualify by rarity, historical significance, or use as a design focal point even below the size threshold. Trees inside a right-of-way or required utility or drainage easement never count as specimen trees for density purposes, no matter their size.