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

Smyrna does not use the label heritage tree in Chapter 106, Vegetation, Article II, Tree Conservation and Replacement. The article uses the term specimen tree, defined as any tree or group of trees that qualifies for special consideration for preservation due to size, type, condition, location or historical significance, and Sec. 106-30 supplies the criteria. Ord. No. 2019-19 (12-16-19) and Ord. No. 2023-010 (8-21-23) are the enactments listed.

Size thresholds are measured at dbh, diameter at breast height. Ten-inch dbh applies to small trees such as Cherry, Dogwood, Redbud and Sourwood. Twenty-inch applies to coniferous trees such as Baldcypress, Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar. Twenty-four-inch applies to overstory trees such as Ash, Beech, Elm, Hickory, Oak, Pecan and Sweetgum. Thirty-six-inch applies to Pine. A tree determined hazardous, dead, dying or diseased under ISA standards is not a specimen tree.

A smaller tree can still qualify. A lesser sized tree can be a specimen tree if it is a rare or unusual species, of exceptional or unique quality, or of historical significance, and a lesser size tree used by a builder, developer or design professional as a prominent feature in a landscape project can qualify too. Both routes require approval from the community development director. A stand is a contiguous grouping of four or more trees judged high value by the director, based on a relatively mature, even-aged stand, uniform or rare species composition, or historical significance.

Protection follows in the rest of the article. A qualified professional inspects surveyed trees, and specimen trees are certified in writing before any permit is issued (106-30(c)). Sec. 106-31(d) requires all reasonable efforts to save specimen trees, including alteration of building design or relocation of parking, water retention, drainage pipes or utilities. Specimen trees designated for replacement are replaced inch-for-inch, with a maximum recompense of 50 inches per acre and replacements of at least four inches caliper for overstory trees and three inches for understory trees. Conserved specimen trees earn density credit of three times the dbh. Under Sec. 106-36(e)(5), removal of specimen trees is subject to approval by the community development director.