Gwinnett County, GA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected species
- Redbud, dogwood, serviceberry, sourwood
- Size threshold
- 12-inch diameter (lower than standard)
- Regime
- Same as other specimen trees
- Removal
- Requires Director approval
- Scope
- Unincorporated Gwinnett County only
Summary
Gwinnett County's specimen-tree rules single out four native flowering species -- redbud, dogwood, serviceberry, and sourwood -- for protection once they reach just 12 inches in diameter.
Small Native Flowering: 12-inch diameter or largeri.The list below indicates small native flowering specimen tree types:•Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud•Cornus florida, Flowering Dogwood•Amelanchier arborea, Serviceberry•Oxydendrum arboretum, Sourwood2.Condition.a.A life expectancy of greater than 10 years.b.A sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than 20 percent radial trunk dieback.c.No more than one major and three minor dead limbs (hardwoods only).d.No major insect problem.e.No major pathological problem (fungus, virus etc.).f.Exceptional quality.g.Of historical significance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
Unlike the 28-inch (hardwood) and 30-inch (softwood) thresholds that apply to most large trees, the UDO names four 'small native flowering' species -- Eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, serviceberry, and sourwood -- that qualify as protected specimen trees at only 12 inches in diameter. Once a listed tree meets that threshold and the required health conditions, it receives the same specimen-tree protections as larger trees: survey and concept-plan documentation, Critical Root Zone fencing before land disturbance, and Director approval before removal, with doubled tree-density-unit replacement if it's removed without approval.
Violations & Fines
Removing a qualifying redbud, dogwood, serviceberry, or sourwood without Director approval doubles the tree density units owed for replacement, the same penalty that applies to other specimen trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species get extra protection in Gwinnett County?
Why is the size threshold lower for these species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
Compare Gwinnett County to another location·View the Georgia tree protection overview
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