Athens-Clarke County, Georgia
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Athens
Athens-Clarke County's Community Tree Management Ordinance, in place since 2005, aims to keep at least 45 percent canopy cover across the county. It works mainly through development: conservation and replanting of canopy, street trees and parking lot trees. Clearing trees from most properties requires filing Georgia's Notice of Timber Harvesting Activity with a tree management plan.
- County
- Athens-Clarke (unified government)
- Tree rules
- Athens-Clarke County Community Tree Management Ordinance (Chapter 8-7)
- Key local rule
- Canopy conservation and replanting on development; notice and tree management plan before clearing
- Electric utility
- Georgia Power
- Main hazards
- Old oaks and pines, summer storms, construction root damage, ice
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Athens?
For an ordinary tree removal on an existing home lot, usually not. The ordinance focuses on development and land clearing. Removing trees from most sites follows Section 8-7-18, which requires filing the State of Georgia's Notice of Timber Harvesting Activity with a tree management plan and a performance bond or letter of credit. Questions go to the county's Community Forestry Coordinator.
- Home lot, single tree
- Generally not regulated.
- Development
- Canopy conservation and replanting.
- Clearing
- Timber harvest notice and tree management plan.
Athens settings
| Area | Typical trees | Common work |
|---|---|---|
| Cobbham, Boulevard and Five Points | Willow and water oaks, magnolias | Old trees over historic homes |
| University of Georgia area | Campus oaks and street trees | Public trees |
| Post-war neighborhoods | Loblolly pines and oaks | Tall pines over houses |
| Edges of the county | Woods and pasture | Clearing under the timber notice rules |
A college town under oaks
Athens is known for its canopy: willow oaks and water oaks along Milledge Avenue and the historic districts, big white oaks on the University of Georgia campus, and loblolly pines in the neighborhoods built after World War II. The famous Tree That Owns Itself, a white oak deeded its own land in local legend, stands on Dearing Street. The current tree is a descendant of the original, which fell in 1942.
Many water oaks planted in the early 20th century are now near the end of their lives, and their decline is a large share of the removal work in town.
Red clay soils compact easily during construction, which is why the ordinance pays close attention to development.
Athens warning signs
Water oaks dropping large limbs
Decay common at 60 to 80 years.
Pines with dead tops after drought
Southern pine beetle risk.
Oaks declining after nearby construction
Root loss from grading and trenching.
Ice-cracked limbs
From periodic Piedmont ice storms.
The ordinance in brief
The Community Tree Management Ordinance sets a countywide goal of at least 45 percent canopy cover. It requires developers to conserve or replant canopy on their sites, plant street trees and plant parking lot trees. Single-family residential subdivisions are not required to meet canopy cover targets but must plant street trees.
The county's Community Forestry Coordinator administers the ordinance and answers tree care questions, while the county arborist reviews development tree plans.
Clearing land in Athens-Clarke
File the state notice
Notice of Timber Harvesting Activity.
Prepare a tree management plan
Showing what will be removed and kept.
Post the bond or letter of credit
As the ordinance requires.
Coordinate with the county
Community Forestry Coordinator or arborist.
Athens tree questions
Is the Tree That Owns Itself real?
A white oak on Dearing Street is known by that name. The original fell in 1942, and the current tree grew from one of its acorns.
Who maintains Athens street trees?
The unified government's community forestry and public works staff.
Does the 45 percent canopy goal apply to my house?
It is a countywide goal pursued mainly through development requirements, not a rule for individual homeowners.
Who do I ask about a specific tree?
The Community Forestry Coordinator.
Reach a tree service in Athens
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Athens area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day