Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Atlanta, GA?

If you're planning to remove a tree from your property inside the City of Atlanta, the short answer is: probably yes — and size matters more than health. Atlanta's tree ordinance protects qualifying trees whether they're thriving or already dead.

The Basic Rule: It's About Diameter, Not Condition

Under the City of Atlanta's tree protection rules, a removal permit is required for hardwood trees measuring 6 inches or more in diameter, and pine trees 12 inches or more in diameter, measured at 4.5 feet above ground. That threshold applies even if the tree is already dead — the ordinance protects trees by size, not by health.

Trees on public property or within the public right-of-way require a permit regardless of size.

What About Dead, Dying, or Storm-Damaged Trees?

Trees that are Dead, Dying, or Hazardous (referred to as "DDH" trees) still typically need a permit — but the process moves faster. If a tree presents an imminent hazard (leaning after a storm, split trunk, heaving roots), you can remove it before the permit is issued in a true emergency. If that happens outside business hours, the standard guidance is to document the situation with photos, leave a message with the Arborist Division, and follow up to secure an after-the-fact permit within about five working days.

Skipping this step isn't a minor paperwork issue — unpermitted removal can trigger recompense fees (charged per diameter inch removed) plus fines that escalate for repeat violations.

How the Permit Process Works

• Contact the City Arborist Division for a site inspection — there's no charge for the inspection itself
• An arborist typically visits within about 5 business days
• Approved permits must be posted on-site while the work is performed
• Recent updates (effective mid-2025) also require an arborist plan-review meeting before certain permit applications are submitted

Do These Rules Apply Outside Atlanta City Limits?

No — and this trips people up constantly. Marietta, Roswell, Decatur, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and unincorporated Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties each set their own tree ordinances, permit thresholds, and penalties. A homeowner in Marietta clearing a hardwood for a patio and a homeowner in Roswell removing a storm-leaned pine can face completely different rules despite being 15 minutes apart.

Since Az Tree Services covers a 40-mile radius around Atlanta, we check the specific jurisdiction before recommending next steps — never assume the City of Atlanta's rules apply to your address without confirming.

Where This Leaves You

Before you schedule removal, know two things: the trunk diameter, and which city or county your property falls under. From there, either the tree clears the threshold and needs a permit, or it doesn't. When in doubt, a quick call to the relevant Arborist Division (or to us — we handle this conversation regularly) settles it in minutes.

This article summarizes publicly available tree ordinance information as of 2026 for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and thresholds change — always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant city or county Arborist Division before removing a tree.