Atlanta tree protection, in plain language.

A regulated healthy tree requires a permit. The City reviews whether a permitted improvement reasonably requires removal, whether the design minimizes impacts, and whether preservation, planting, density, and recompense requirements are met. Landscape-only and forest-improvement paths also have specific criteria.

The owner or authorized agent applies with property and tree information plus photos. Seven or more trees require an assessment by a registered tree professional. The City Arborist makes the final DDH determination. Approved DDH removals usually avoid replacement and recompense, subject to listed exceptions.

First request immediate approval from the City Arborist. If the Arborist cannot be reached and the tree presents an imminent likelihood of failure, the ordinance allows removal followed by a retroactive application and evidence within five business days. A failure to prove the condition can trigger replacement, recompense, and fines.

Private-property invasive or undesirable trees at six inches DBH or greater require a permit. Posting is not required. Replacement or recompense generally does not apply, except that removing seven or more undesirable trees outside a building, demolition, or land-disturbance permit can trigger tree-for-tree replacement or a tree-density demonstration.

Any tree on a right-of-way, in a park, or on other public property is regulated regardless of size. Pruning, removal, or other work requires authorization through the public-property process. Public tree removal carries separate replacement rules.