Floyd County, GA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

3(b) of the ULDC ties significant-tree protection to species and trunk diameter. Hardwood trees such as oaks and hickories, and softwood trees such as pines and cedars, become significant trees once their diameter at breast height reaches 18 inches or more. Smaller ornamental hardwoods, specifically named as dogwoods, redbuds and sourwoods, reach significant-tree status at a much lower threshold of 8 inches DBH or more, reflecting that these species never grow as large as canopy hardwoods. The code adds a catch-all beyond the size table: a tree smaller than those thresholds is still significant if it is a rare or unusual species, is of historical significance, or is specifically used by design as a landscape focal point of the project.

3(a): a life expectancy over 15 years, a sound trunk with limited decay, and no major insect or disease problems. 4(b) once it exceeds that per-acre minimum outside a construction footprint. Disputed species identification is resolved using Georgia Forestry Commission and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service publications, or another authority acceptable to the Planning Director.