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NOTE: If a tree is located on City of Atlanta Property or in the public right-of-way, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 404-546-6813. A public tree may be located between the sidewalk and the street. If no sidewalk is present and there is a question regarding public tree versus private tree, call the Department of Parks and Recreation. The City of Atlanta does not remove trees on private property.
The Department of City Planning, Office of Buildings, Arborist Division, inspects and approves removal of trees. A permit is required to cut hardwood trees 6 inches in diameter or larger and pines 12 inches in diameter or larger. The diameter is measured 4.5' above ground. There is no charge for an arborist inspection and issuance of an inspection report.
Homeowner or resident presence is not required for tree inspection; however, if there is a locked gate, the homeowner or resident needs to be home to open it or provide the arborist with the code to enter the property. Dogs should be placed in the house; otherwise, the homeowner or resident must be present to restrain it.
Falling Trees (Emergency) –
An emergency situation is when you truly believe a tree is in the process of falling. For example, after a storm, a previously upright tree is now leaning and appears to be uprooted. Take as many photos of the situation as necessary to provide a clear visual understanding of the emergency. The Arborist Division must be called. If no one answers, leave a voice message and call back the next business day to follow-up. You will be asked to provide pictures and any other documentation that you may have to avoid being charged with illegal destruction.
Dead, Dying or Hazardous Trees –
Applications for inspection may be submitted online via Atlanta’s Citizen Gateway (link below). Please allow 5 business days for processing of the application after it has been entered into the system. NOTE: The Arborist Division does not enforce removal of a tree on private property, including a vacant property, unless it threatens the public right-of-way. For more information, contact the Arborist Division at the number shown below.
Fallen Trees –
No permit is required to remove a tree that has already fallen. It is advisable to take pictures to document that the tree fell on its own.
Healthy Trees –
The Tree Protection Ordinance Reference Guide, found on the Arborist Division website, contains instructions for tree removal on private property. Download the reference guide and proceed accordingly.
Neighbor’s Tree Roots Causing Damage –
Contact the Arborist Division at the number shown below.
Illegal Tree Removal –
Report illegal removal of tree(s) on private property to the Arborist Division at the number shown below. Please provide the address, the number of trees removed, and where the tree(s) are/were located on the property.
The City of Atlanta does not recommend private tree removal companies. The International Society of Arboriculture and Georgia Arborist Association are useful sources for researching tree removal companies (links below).
For additional information, contact the Arborist Division via email at Arborist.dpcd@atlantaga.gov or call 404-330-6874.
International Society of Arboriculture
