Some Tree Species are Exempt in Atlanta Tree Ordinance

Here is a neat little Atlanta Tree Ordinance hack of which you may not be aware.

Most people know, to remove any healthy tree 6 inches or greater in diameter requires cash recompense be paid to the city (or tree replacement), along with a city-approved tree removal permit. Fewer people know that the minimum size for pines is 12 inches in diameter. But what most residents don't know is that there are several tree species that are considered so heinous, so undesirable, so horrid...that they do not require paid recompense, replacement or posting.

And they are:

• Mimosa Albizia julibrissin
• Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima
• White mulberry Morus alba
• Paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera
• Chinaberry Melia azederach
• Princess tree Paulownia tomentosa
• Carolina cherry laurel Prunus caroliniana
• Bradford Pear Pyrus calleryana
• Leyland cypress Cupressocyparis leylandii -x

In addition, if any of these species are over 12 inches in diameter, they are still exempt as long as the subject property meets the required tree coverage for its respective zoning class. If there is not enough canopy coverage, the permit applicant must replace enough tree coverage to satisfy the zoning requirements.

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