Augusta-Richmond County, GA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Small tree curb setback
- 2 ft, 4-ft treelawn min
- Medium tree curb setback
- 3 ft, 6-ft treelawn min
- Large tree curb setback
- 4 ft, 6-ft treelawn min
- Streetyard tree spacing
- 1 large tree per 45 linear ft
- Administering department
- Planning & Development / City Arborist
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County sets minimum planting distances from curbs and sidewalks by tree size, requires a treelawn strip between sidewalk and street, and sets streetyard tree spacing for developments under the Tree Ordinance.
e)Distance from curb and sidewalk. ...no trees may be planted closer to the curb or sidewalk than the following:a.Small trees two feet (minimum of a four foot wide treelawn)b.Medium trees three feet (minimum of a six foot wide treelawn)c.Large trees four feet (minimum of a six foot wide treelawn) except in special plantings designed or approved by the Augusta Planning and Development Department. ..."treelawn" is defined as the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Tree Ordinance, street trees planted along curbs or sidewalks must be set back by size class: small trees at least two feet back with a four-foot treelawn, medium trees three feet back with a six-foot treelawn, and large trees four feet back with a six-foot treelawn, unless the Augusta Planning and Development Department approves a special planting design. The code defines 'treelawn' as the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street. Development streetyards must also include at least one large tree per 45 linear feet of street frontage, with a tree required within 20 feet of each side property line.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant plantings can be rejected during Tree Protection/Tree Establishment Plan review, and violations of the Tree Ordinance are misdemeanors under Chapter 1-6-1, with civil penalties up to $10,000 per acre for unpermitted tree removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a street tree be planted to the curb in Augusta-Richmond County?
What is a 'treelawn' under the Augusta-Richmond County Tree Ordinance?
Does a street tree have to be on an approved species list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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