So you have a tree removal project in Woodstock Georgia but you need to know the tree removal permit process, you’ve come to the right place. At 770-Arborist we have dealt with this many times and we’re here to help you. Let’s dive in.
Tree Removal Permits for Woodstock Georgia Overview
Woodstock Georgia requires citizens to acquire a permit for removing any trees 3 inches DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). If you want your tree to be removed, keep in mind that you can only remove 5 trees per year. There is no fee with this permit and trees that grew naturally can be removed without one. If you want a protected tree removed, it must fall into one or more of the following categories.
- The tree is dead, dying, or sick beyond cure
- The tree is presenting imminent danger to life, limb, or property. If the city staff cannot assess the tree in question, then the property owner must get written verification from a certified Arborist.
- The tree is under 3 inches DBH and can be removed without a permit.
- All other options To save the tree have been considered, but yet tree removal is the only way to accomplish the particular task.
Tree Removal Permit Definitions for Woodstock Georgia
Protected trees are trees that are over 3 inches DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) but they do not meet the requirements to be a Specimen tree.
Specimen trees are trees that need special protection due to their size, condition, or type. Here are the rules for your tree to qualify as a specimen tree.
- Woodstock Georgia Specimen trees Size Requirements
- The tree is a Tulip Poplar, Sweet Gum, River Birch, Silver Maple, or a Pine tree that exceeds thirty inches DBH
- The tree is an Ash, Beech, Blackgum, Cedar, Cypress, Hickory, Magnolia (excluding Bigleaf Magnolias), Maple (excluding Silver Maples), Pecan, Persimmon, Redwood, Sourwood, Sycamore, or Walnut. If the tree is one of these species then it must be 24 inches DBH to qualify as a specimen tree.
- The tree is an American holly, Dogwood, Redbud, or a Bigleaf Magnolia that was determined by the Woodstock city arborist to be a specimen tree.
- Small trees can be classified as a specimen tree if they are of a rare or unusual species, have public historical significance, they are of exceptional quality, or they are the focal point of landscaping. In order for these small trees to become specimen trees, the property owner must send an application to the city arborist requesting that their tree become a specimen tree.
- Condition Requirements
- The tree has a life expectancy of 15 years or greater
- The trunk of the tree is relatively solid, without extensive decay or significant structural issues.
- There are not more than two major dead limbs and several minor dead limbs. (Pine trees can have many minor dead limbs)
- The trunk dieback is under 20 percent around or the canopy dieback is no more than 30 percent.
Emergency Trees
Trees that fall or are damaged by storms do not require a permit to be removed. The property owner also is not required to replace the tree after the event. Feel free to remove the tree from your house as quickly as possible with a good emergency tree removal service. We at 770-Arborist would be happy to help you. We have a crane in-house and deploy within minutes.
Violations and Citations
Any person who removes any protected or specimen tree on their property shall be issued a citation to appear in court for the violation. This can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment not above 6 months. If the court allows, the person may be given a reasonable amount of time to correct their infraction.
One way that the court may allow a violator to remedy the violation is to plant the specified trees and pay the necessary fees to the city. Keep in mind that in Woodstock each acre of property must have at least 100 inches of canopy coverage.
Woodstock’s Tree Removal Permit Purpose
The purpose of Woodstock’s tree removal permit is to increase the tree canopy around the city. This helps with the health, welfare, and safety of the public. Trees act as wind barriers, they make shade zones, and they purify the air. They enhance the appeal of the city and allow wildlife such as birds and squirrels to live among us.
Additional Information:
If you’re ready to remove your tree, the Woodstock Georgia tree removal permit application can be found here
If you want to read Woodstock’s code for Tree Preservation and Replacement standards, you can find the official code here
If you need a tree removed and you live in Woodstock, we at 770-Arborist have a lot of experience in that city. To contact us call 770-Arborist or (770) 758-8590. Or you can visit our website at https://770arborist.com.
