Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, you do not need a permit to remove a few trees in your yard. County review and approval is required if the trees are located in a stream buffer or a buffer required by the Zoning Code. Also, if the tree removal is extensive, a timber harvest permit may be required. Contact the Site Plan Review Section at (770) 528-2147 if you are unsure of your situation.

If you are doing major land work and plan to remove trees, you must submit a plan to replant trees in the place of those being removed. Unless there is documentation of economic hardship, dead, dying, diseased or hazardous trees, trees may not be removed from protected zones. The tree ordinance requires a total site density factor of no less than 15 units per acre. In contacting the county Development agency, they can assess the need to file for a permit before removing a tree.

You need a permit to remove, destroy, or injure any tree of 6 inches or greater diameter-at-breast-height (dbh) on private property. There are no exceptions, either by species or present condition. You need a permit to remove dead and dying trees from private property.

Absolutely – and that is important

The average cost for tree removal in Georgia is between $300 and $2,500. A 25-foot tree will cost around $100-$500. A tree between 25-75 feet will cost around $200 – $1000. A 75-foot tree can cost up to $1,500 or more.

Your neighbor can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work.

You have a common law right to prune back parts of a tree or hedge growing over the boundary into your property (subject to any legal restrictions being overcome first such as Tree Preservation Orders or conservation areas) but you cannot compel the owner of the trees or hedge to carry out this work or pay for it.

Typically, any damage to houses which has been caused by falling branches or trees is covered by home insurance policies – it’s worth reviewing the wording of your existing or potentially new cover for any exclusions to this.

PRIVATE PROPERTY – (single family dwelling) within Marietta City limits, notification of tree removal and tree removal permits ARE NOT required for the removal of trees on that property. However, here are a few things to be mindful of:

• Troubled, diseased, dead or dying trees must be addressed. Failing to address these trees is considered negligence and in the event they fall, the property owner may be held fully responsible for all resulting and subsequent damage and repairs.
• Should a tree (on City property) fall onto private property. The City of Marietta will only remove the section of the tree up to the property line. The remaining portion of the tree is the responsibility of the property owner, unless the property owner had previously reported the tree as a hazard to the City’s Streets Department. If the City determined the tree to be a hazard and took no action to remedy the situation, the homeowner may have the right to have the City remove the remainder of the fallen tree and recover damages as well.
• Should a tree (on private property) fall onto City property. The property owner is responsible for the portion of the tree up to the property line. The Streets Department (for public right of way) or the City’s Parks and Open Space Manager (for parks and City owned land) should be immediately notified of the fallen tree and its location.
• Should a tree (on private property) fall onto adjacent private property. Each property owner is responsible for the portion of the tree on his/her property.

Trees are among the most notable plants in any landscape. But growing and caring for a healthy tree takes work and know-how. To help you do both, we created this extensive resource for all things tree care. From choosing and planting new trees to removing diseased or decaying trees, we gathered all the tree care tips and techniques you need to keep your home’s landscape growing strong.

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