Tree Removal Permit, Sandy Springs, GA: Sandy Springs Tree Ordinance

The Sandy Springs community takes the treatment of its trees very seriously—not only because they are an essential part of the natural environment, but because handling the bigger ones can be dangerous. If you’d like to remove a tree on your property or offer tree removal services to others, there’s more to it than picking up a saw.

Some rules and regulations govern tree removal, the most important being a tree removal permit requirement in Sandy Springs, GA. If someone cuts down a tree without a permit, the individual responsible may have to pay a fine of up to $1,000 and even face jail time.

Don’t take that risk. Call our tree removal professional at Southeast Tree, and our licensed professional will clear your property without the risk.

When Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit?

You’ll require a permit to remove any tree that is:

• Any hardwood or pine tree 18″ Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) or larger
• A Dogwood or Redbud 10″ DBH or larger
• Any tree located within the Chattahoochee River Corridor or a Stream Buffer (the Chattahoochee River Corridor is any property within 2000 feet from the banks of the Chattahoochee River. A Stream Buffer is the 75′ protection corridor along designated streams and bodies of water)

If a tree doesn’t meet these requirements, you can cut down the tree without a permit.

Additionally, a permit is not required when a tree is hazardous or dying, but you must still inform city arborists before cutting it down.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit in Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs, GA, offers tree removal permits to every property owner, resident, or tree removal company that requires one. There are no associated fees involved in acquiring a permit, nor are there any applications to fill out. Instead, you’ll need to submit documentation showing the size, location, and species of the tree you want to remove, and you should include photos of the tree as well.

Minimum Canopy Requirement and Recompense

The local Sandy Springs government enforces a minimum canopy requirement for public spaces and residences.

If tree removal causes an area to fall below this requirement, the individual responsible must pay into the city’s tree fund. Sandy Springs will use this compensation to plant new trees and bring the area’s canopy back to minimum values. If a city arborist determines that replanting isn’t possible, then the money will instead go to the Sandy Springs tree bank so officials can plant new trees elsewhere.

Additionally, the city requires that compensation will equal 150% of the lost canopy coverage if you cut down a landmark tree. It’s a pretty steep price tag.

Call In the Tree Professionals at Southeast Tree

Our team at Southeast Tree will ensure your tree removal in Sandy Springs, GA, gets done right. Just call us at (770) 977-8733 and schedule your free assessment today!