The code defines a tree from two inches in diameter measured six inches above ground when it is normally capable of reaching ten feet in height.
City of Clarkston, Georgia · 2026 guide
Clarkston tree review, in plain language.
Clarkston uses different routes for existing homes, development, public trees, protected zones, and historic properties, so begin with the property and proposed work.
Read the requirementsCurrent reviewed ordinance packageLast reviewed September 17, 2026
At a glance
Start with the property, the tree, and the proposed work.
The code does not publish one numeric specimen threshold. The City tree consultant evaluates value, species, size, age, stand quality, history, and aesthetics.
Emergency removal requires written permission from the public works director. Keep supporting condition evidence.
The codified exception, City webpage, and September 2025 form do not align. The current City route must be confirmed before removal.
01 / First question
Is the property inside Clarkston?
This guide applies inside the incorporated City of Clarkston. A postal address does not establish jurisdiction. Confirm the property point, parcel controls, approved plans, easements, buffers, and current City instructions before relying on a general rule.
Best first step
Use the address lookup on the Tree Collective ordinance map, then confirm the result with the governing jurisdiction before beginning work.
Open the ordinance lookup02 / Permit paths
The condition of the tree and the reason for work shape the path.
Existing residential property
Confirm the live City threshold before removal.
The reviewed sources conflict on the residential permit threshold, so the guide does not choose one. Submit the proposed trees to the City for confirmation.
Development or site work
Include trees in the site and landscape review.
Covered development can require landscape, construction tree-protection, protected-zone, replacement, inspection, and bond information.
Historic property or district
Check the Certificate of Appropriateness route.
Material changes to designated historic sites and landscape features can require historic review in addition to the tree process.
Public tree or right-of-way
Get written Public Works authorization.
Excavation, trenching, drives, construction, or tree work near public trees can require specific protection and written approval.
03 / Project record
Connect the tree record to the property and proposed work.
The exact package depends on the site and project. Useful information can include:
01
Tree locations, species, size, condition, and proposed disposition
02
Protected zones, public trees, historic status, and property controls
03
Buildings, grading, utilities, access, and disturbance
04
Landscape and tree-protection plans
05
Replacement, fees, bonds, inspections, and closeout records
04 / Condition + risk
Tree condition and permit authority are different questions.
A TRAQ-informed assessment can document condition, targets, likelihood, consequences, and reasonable mitigation. Tree Collective can collect the tree point and field evidence. The City decides whether that evidence satisfies its ordinance and permit process.
05 / Conservation + replacement
Preservation, replacement, and site controls must be read together.
Tree size alone rarely supplies the whole answer. Project type, location, buffers, zoning, approved plans, tree condition, and proposed disturbance can change the review path.
Confirm current forms, calculations, fees, bonds, planting standards, inspection steps, and closeout requirements with the City before work.
06 / Professional support
Use the arborist record to make the next decision clearer.
A consulting arborist can identify and map trees, document condition and risk, coordinate root protection with grading and utilities, and prepare a record for owners, contractors, designers, and reviewers. Regulatory approval remains with the governing authority.
Official applications + sources
Go directly to Clarkston.
Source review
Reviewed September 17, 2026.
Prepared from the source-backed AskR Tree Collective publication reviewed September 17, 2026. This guide explains the reviewed record; it does not determine property-specific applicability or replace City confirmation.
This is practical educational information, not a permit decision or legal advice. Requirements can change and may depend on site conditions, project scope, administrative standards, and staff findings.
Tree Collective consulting
Bring the tree question into focus.
Tree Collective can help interpret ordinance requirements, inventory trees, assess condition and risk, review construction impacts, prepare tree protection plans and arboricultural prescriptions, and organize permit documentation for the project team.
Tree Collective does not issue permits, control municipal decisions, or act on behalf of the City.