Tree Removal Permit - Alpharetta, Georgia
Alpharetta, Georgia sits within north Fulton County and blends historic roots with modern residential and commercial growth. Once a rural crossroads community established in the mid nineteenth century, Alpharetta has developed into a vibrant city known for planned neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and strict land stewardship standards. Mature hardwoods, ornamental trees, and preserved green spaces play a major role in local character and property value, making responsible tree management a priority for residents and developers alike.
The city lies within USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b to 8a, supporting a wide variety of native and ornamental tree species. Summers are hot and humid with average highs near 88°F, while winters remain mild with average lows around 33°F. Seasonal storms, occasional ice events, and summer wind activity increase tree stress, making pruning, maintenance, and regulated removal an essential part of landscape safety and compliance.
tree removal permit alpharetta georgia
New Image Tree Solutions gathered essential tree permit information about Alpharetta regulations, municipal departments, arborist requirements, and legal removal procedures to help property owners avoid fines, delays, and safety risks. This guide explains when permits are required, who to contact, and how certified arborist support simplifies compliance.
Alpharetta Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Alpharetta enforces a comprehensive Tree Preservation Ordinance designed to protect healthy trees, manage canopy coverage, and guide development responsibly. Tree removal permits are generally required before removing protected trees on residential and commercial properties.
Trees Commonly Regulated - A permit is typically required when removing:
Hardwood trees with a diameter at breast height greater than six inches
Pine trees exceeding eight inches DBH
Landmark or specimen trees regardless of size
Trees located within required buffers or conservation areas
Trees associated with construction or grading permits
Emergency removals due to immediate safety hazards may proceed without prior approval, though documentation and post removal reporting are usually required.
City Arborist and Permit Contacts
tree removal permit alpharetta ga
Property owners should begin permit inquiries with Alpharetta Community Development.
City Department:
Community Development Department – Planning Division
Phone: 678-297-6020
Website: alpharetta.ga.us
Email: planning@alpharetta.ga.us
City Arborist: David Shostak - 678-297-6229
Email David Shostak
The city contracts certified arborists through Community Development to evaluate tree health, removal justification, and mitigation requirements.
Permit applications typically require:
Tree survey or site plan
Arborist evaluation report
Reason for removal
Replacement or mitigation plan when applicable
Processing times vary depending on scope, location, and zoning classification.
online tree removal permit alpharetta georgia
Tree Removal Permits in the City of Alpharetta, GA, are completed and submitted online. Please refer to Tree Removal Permit Application Instructions (PDF) or reach out to an arborist at 404-680-0041 for assistance.
When to Call an Arborist for Guidance
Calling an ISA Certified Arborist early prevents costly mistakes. Arborists assess structural stability, disease presence, and failure risk while determining whether removal qualifies for exemption or emergency action.
Situations requiring arborist evaluation include:
Leaning trees near structures
Root plate upheaval
Trunk decay or cavity formation
Insect infestation such as borers or bark beetles
Storm damaged limbs affecting power lines or roofs
Trees interfering with approved construction
Arborist reports strengthen permit applications and support emergency removal documentation.
Why Call New Image Tree Solutions (404) 680-0041
New Image Tree Solutions provides certified arborist led services for Alpharetta residents and commercial property managers. The team understands municipal ordinances, permit workflows, and city inspection standards.
Benefits include:
Arborist evaluations aligned with city requirements
Permit documentation support
Emergency storm response
Precision removals protecting surrounding property
Mitigation and replacement planning
By coordinating directly with city departments, New Image Tree Solutions reduces approval delays and ensures compliance throughout each stage.
When to Have Trees, Shrubs, and Plants Pruned or Removed
Tree care decisions often stem from environmental stressors rather than age alone.
Storm Related Issues - High winds, saturated soils, and lightning strikes weaken trees and increase failure risk. Split trunks, hanging limbs, or uprooted roots often require immediate action.
Infestations - Pests such as emerald ash borer or pine beetles compromise structural integrity. Removal may prevent spread to neighboring trees.
Disease - Fungal infections, root rot, or vascular diseases reduce stability and long term viability.
Arborists determine whether treatment or removal is appropriate.
Permit Not Required Examples
Permits are generally not required for the following circumstances:
Dead trees verified by an arborist
Hazard trees posing immediate danger
Small ornamental trees below DBH thresholds
Routine pruning without canopy reduction beyond ordinance limits
Documentation remains recommended even when permits are not required.
Key Takeaways for Alpharetta Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Understanding Alpharetta tree regulations protects both property and financial investment. Tree preservation ordinances focus on safety, canopy retention, and environmental balance rather than restriction alone. Property owners benefit from knowing when permits apply and how to navigate approval processes efficiently.
Certified arborist involvement simplifies compliance and strengthens applications. Arborist evaluations clarify whether removal qualifies for exemption, emergency action, or mitigation requirements. Early assessments reduce delays and prevent enforcement penalties.
Municipal coordination remains essential. The Community Development Department oversees planning, permitting, and inspections related to tree activity. Submitting accurate documentation including tree surveys and arborist reports accelerates review timelines.
Storm events and pest outbreaks remain common triggers for urgent tree decisions. Acting promptly protects structures, vehicles, and occupants while maintaining ordinance compliance.
Emergency removals should always be followed by proper reporting.
New Image Tree Solutions offers expertise that bridges arboriculture and municipal requirements. Their experience within Alpharetta ensures property owners receive accurate guidance, compliant execution, and professional risk mitigation.
Proper planning preserves Alpharetta green infrastructure while protecting homes, businesses, and public safety.
Alpharetta, Georgia, Tree Removal Permit
This article outlined Alpharetta tree removal permit requirements, municipal contacts, arborist involvement, and scenarios requiring professional guidance. Readers learned how permits protect community canopy health while allowing necessary removals.
Property owners who follow these guidelines gain confidence, avoid violations, and ensure safe outcomes for landscapes and structures. Proactive arborist support streamlines approvals and prevents costly delays.
Ignoring permit requirements risks fines, forced mitigation, project delays, and safety hazards. Unpermitted removals may trigger enforcement actions that outweigh perceived convenience.
(404) 680-0041