Tree permits · Georgia
The code defines a specimen tree as one the City Arborist designates for preservation, with size criteria of canopy trees 16 inches DBH or larger, longleaf and spruce pine 10 inches or larger, live oak and southern magnolia 14 inches or larger, and small species 6 inches or larger. All tree removal on non-residential property needs Arbor Division approval.
The code defines a city canopy tree as any tree on city-owned property such as streets and rights-of-way, or any specimen tree overhanging the city right-of-way. The Arbor Division plants, maintains and protects trees along city streets and public property.
The chapter appears to include a hazardous or storm-damage exemption, but we could not read its conditions. Call the Arbor Division first.
The Arbor Division (Engineering) offers a Tree Removal Permit Application on the city website. Office: 300 N. Lee Street, phone 229-259-3530.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
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For some trees. Valdosta requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Valdosta's Arbor Division says tree removal on non-residential property must be approved before the tree comes out. The city code lists exemptions for single-family homeowners, but we could not read the details, so call the Arbor Division before removing any large tree. City canopy trees (trees on city property such as streets and rights-of-way, or specimen trees overhanging the right-of-way) are covered by the city code. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.
The code defines a specimen tree as one the City Arborist designates for preservation, with size criteria of canopy trees 16 inches DBH or larger, longleaf and spruce pine 10 inches or larger, live oak and southern magnolia 14 inches or larger, and small species 6 inches or larger. All tree removal on non-residential property needs Arbor Division approval.
The code defines a city canopy tree as any tree on city-owned property such as streets and rights-of-way, or any specimen tree overhanging the city right-of-way. The Arbor Division plants, maintains and protects trees along city streets and public property.
The chapter appears to include a hazardous or storm-damage exemption, but we could not read its conditions. Call the Arbor Division first.
The Arbor Division (Engineering) offers a Tree Removal Permit Application on the city website. Office: 300 N. Lee Street, phone 229-259-3530.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.