Decatur, Georgia
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Decatur
Decatur's Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance took effect on March 21, 2022 and ended the old allowance to remove three healthy trees every 18 months. Trees 6 inches and up now need a permit, and removing one generally requires a certified arborist's report showing disease or a moderate or higher risk.
- County
- DeKalb
- Tree rules
- City of Decatur Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance (effective March 21, 2022)
- Key local rule
- Permit for trees 6 inches and up; healthy trees no longer removable at the owner's discretion
- Electric utility
- Georgia Power
- Main hazards
- Old oaks on small lots, summer storms, construction root damage
What changed in 2022
Under the 2014 ordinance, Decatur homeowners could remove three healthy protected trees every 18 months. The Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance that took effect March 21, 2022 ended that allowance. A tree removal permit is now needed for trees 6 inches and larger, and the reasons accepted are mainly untreatable disease or infestation, or a moderate or higher risk rating with a target that could be hit.
Every application needs a certified arborist's assessment. Properties planning demolition, building or land development must also follow the ordinance's tree plan requirements, starting with a pre-permit conference with the City Arborist.
Can I remove a healthy tree in Decatur?
Generally not at your own discretion any more. A healthy tree 6 inches or larger can come down when it is part of an approved development tree plan or meets the ordinance's risk and disease criteria. Dead trees and trees rated as a moderate or higher risk to people or property are the usual approvals.
- Diseased or infested
- Permit with an arborist report showing it is untreatable.
- Risk rating
- Moderate or higher, with a target such as a house or walkway.
- Construction
- Through a tree plan and pre-permit conference.
Applying for a permit
Hire a certified arborist
The assessment report is required for every application.
Set up an account
Email the city permitting office to get access to the online Community Core system.
Apply and upload
The report, photos of the defects and, for more than six trees, a site plan and spreadsheet.
Review
City arborists handle permits in the order received, usually within 10 business days.
Inspection and removal
Schedule through the same system.
What makes Decatur tree work distinct
- Small lots, big trees
- Bungalows on narrow lots with oaks planted a century ago.
- Infill construction
- Additions and rebuilds near old trees, which the ordinance aims to protect.
- Overhead lines
- Older neighborhoods have dense service lines through the canopy.
- Neighboring trees
- Canopies cross property lines on almost every block, so one removal can affect several yards.
- Water oaks reaching their limit
- Many oaks planted in the early 20th century are water and laurel oaks, which decline sooner than white oaks and live oaks.
Signs that support a risk report
Decay at the base
Fungus, cavities or soft wood near the root flare.
Cracks or splits in the trunk
Especially at a codominant fork.
Dead limbs over the house
Large dead wood with a clear target.
Root damage from construction
Cut roots within the critical root zone.
The 2014 rules and the 2022 rules
Before March 2022
- Three healthy protected trees every 18 months
- Canopy targets of 25 percent for single-family lots
- More room for owner choice
Since March 2022
- No discretionary removals
- Arborist report for each application
- Permits for trees 6 inches and up
If a past removal was allowed under the old rules, do not assume the same tree type can come down now.
Decatur tree questions
How long does a Decatur tree permit take?
City arborists aim to process permits within 10 business days when the application is complete.
Does Decatur regulate pruning?
Removal is what is regulated. Severe pruning that destroys a protected tree may be treated as removal.
Does DeKalb County's ordinance apply in Decatur?
No. Decatur is its own city. Unincorporated DeKalb has separate rules.
What about a tree that fell in a storm?
Contact the city. Emergency situations are handled separately, and photos help.
Can I appeal a denied permit?
Ask the City Arborist about the appeal process. A second arborist report addressing the specific risk criteria is often the most useful step.
Reach a tree service in Decatur
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Decatur area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
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