Tree care · Southeast
Georgia has long, hot summers and mild winters, with cooler weather in the north Georgia mountains. Pines, oaks, sweetgums and tulip poplars grow everywhere, and live oaks line many coastal streets. Spring storms, tropical systems and the odd ice storm cause most tree trouble.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Pinus taeda
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesQuercus nigra
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesQuercus phellos
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiquidambar styraciflua
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiriodendron tulipifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesQuercus virginiana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus falcata
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLagerstroemia indica
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesCornus florida
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are most common in spring. Tropical storms can bring heavy rain and wind from summer into fall, and ice storms can strike in winter.
Main storm months: March to May for severe storms; June to November for tropical storms
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
The cooler months are a common time to prune many trees. Dead or storm-damaged limbs should be removed right away in any season, and weak trees near homes are worth checking before spring storms.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Atlanta and some other Georgia cities have tree ordinances that can cover removals on private land. Check your city or county before cutting. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Georgia, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
Could not confirm
We could not confirm a state-level tree license in Georgia; check with the state and your city. See the Georgia state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Georgia?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
We could not confirm a state-level license for tree trimming or removal in Georgia. A Georgia House study committee looked at the question in late 2024, so check for new rules. Pesticide work needs state licenses. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
The cooler months are a common choice for many trees. Dead, cracked or hanging limbs should be removed as soon as you see them. Ask an arborist about your species.
Heavy rain softens the soil and strong wind pushes on tall trees. Trees with decay, damaged roots or leaning trunks are more likely to fall. An arborist can check trees near your home.
If you have pines that look thin, have fading needles or have small pitch tubes on the trunk, call an arborist or your county extension office. Pines under stress from drought or crowding are the ones to watch.
It depends on your city or county. Atlanta and some other places have tree ordinances that can apply on private land. Call your local office first. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Keep everyone away, call 911 if anyone is in danger and call the utility if lines are involved. Take photos for insurance and hire an insured crew. Do not cut storm-loaded wood yourself.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.