Please contact the City Arborist at 678-297-6229 or
treepermits@alpharetta.ga.us with any questions regarding tree removal or care that may not be answered below or elsewhere on this website.
Commonly Asked Questions
Question : What if I do not have access to email or need assistance with an application?
Answer: There is a public use computer in the lobby of the Community Development Department that can be used to apply for permits. City personnel will also be available for assistance. Please make sure to bring all required information with you.
Question: What if my project involves more than tree removal, such as construction of a pool, addition to my house, retaining walls, etc.?
Answer: You may be required to obtain a residential land disturbance permit and not a tree removal permit. Please follow this link for those requirements or contact the City Stormwater Reviewer at (678) 297- 6070.
https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/docs/default-source/planning-zoning/residential-individual-lot-site-plan-requirements.pdf?sfvrsn=9bdef5ab_14
Question: What if I want to remove a tree next to a creek, stream, or lake?
Answer: Trees and vegetation along water bodies are protected and are handled on a case by case basis. Please contact the City Arborist with specific questions or follow this link for more information.
https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/docs/default-source/planning-zoning/stream-buffer-encroachment-guidlines.pdf?sfvrsn=83e2ceab_6
Question: What is a Specimen Tree?
Answer: Any tree which qualifies for special consideration for preservation due to its size, type, condition, location or historical significance and which also meets the minimum size criteria listed below. If an application is submitted for a specimen size tree an assessment of the tree by a private ISA Certified Arborist must be included with the application.
Question: Do I need a permit to remove Leyland Cypress trees from my property?
Answer: Yes
NOTE: SPECIMEN TREES ARE GIVEN SPECIAL PROTECTION BY LAW AND THEIR REMOVAL WITHOUT A PERMIT MAY INCUR ADDITIONAL FINES AND PENALTIES.
Specimen Tree Size Criteria
Pine Trees:
30-inch diameter or larger for trees in the Pinus (Pine) genus
Coniferous Trees:
20-inch diameter or larger for trees in the cedrus (Deodar cedar), Thuja (Arborvitae/Green giant), or other ecologically similar trees (Blue Atlas cedar, Juniper, other cedars)
Overstory Trees:
30-inch diameter or larger for trees in the Liquidambar (Sweetgum) or Liriodendron (Tulip or Yellow poplar) genus
20-inch diameter or larger for trees in the Fagus (Beech), Nyssa (Tupelo), Diospyros (Persimmon), Sassafras (Sassafras), or other ecologically similar trees
20-inch diameter or larger for Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia, Brackens brown magnolia) and those cultivars that generally reach a mature height over 40’
24-inch diameter or larger for trees in all other genera (Oak, Maple, Hickory)
Understory Trees:
8-inch diameter or larger for (Dogwood, Redbud, Japanese maple, Saucer magnolia)
10-inch diameter or larger for Oxydendron arboretum (Sourwood)