YardCareDirectory

Georgia Tree Removal Permit Requirements

LOCAL RULES VARY

No statewide requirement. Metro Atlanta counties have strong tree protection. Rural counties are largely unregulated.

Issuing authority: City arborist or county planning department
Permit Fee
$50–$200 in regulated areas
Processing Time
5–10 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in GA
Live OakWillow OakSouthern Red OakWhite Oak
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Georgia jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Trees under 6 inches DBH
  • +Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees
  • +Agricultural land

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Atlanta, Decatur, and several other cities have formal heritage tree programs.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Fines of $500–$5,000 per tree in metro Atlanta jurisdictions. Replacement mitigation can double the cost.

Rules by City in Georgia

Atlanta

Trees over 6 inches DBH require permits in most zones. Heritage trees require Arborist Division review.

Fee: $50 permit + $15 per inch DBH over 24 inchesReplacement required unless medical necessity.
Savannah

Live oaks in historic district require special approval from historic preservation board.

Fee: $75 base feeSavannah's live oak canopy is a protected cultural resource.
Decatur

Specimen trees (over 18 inches DBH or heritage-listed) require permits.

Fee: $40 application feeReplacement required at 2:1 caliper ratio.
Tips for Georgia Homeowners
  1. In the Metro Atlanta area, assume you need a permit for any tree over 8 inches DBH and verify before proceeding.
  2. Savannah's historic district trees involve the Savannah Tree Foundation and historic preservation boards — allow significant lead time.
Find tree services in Georgia that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Georgia