Find out in seconds if you need a permit to cut that tree.
CanICut.com is a free tool that tells metro Atlanta homeowners whether they likely need a permit to remove, prune or otherwise work on a tree. Enter an address, and it identifies the city or county, applies that jurisdiction's tree ordinance (including the City of Atlanta rules in effect since January 1, 2026), and lists the next steps and the office to contact.
Inside City of Atlanta limits, removing or destroying most regulated trees on private property requires a permit from the City Arborist under the Tree Protection Ordinance (Atlanta Code Chapter 158), updated January 1, 2026. Enter your address in the checker to see the rule for your tree and jurisdiction.
The City of Atlanta can fine at least $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for each additional one, with each tree a separate violation, plus recompense of $140 per inch of trunk diameter (2026 rate). It can also issue stop-work orders.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, tree service companies doing business in the City of Atlanta must register with the City Arborist. Registration is free and renewed annually; homeowners do not register.
No. Georgia has no state arborist license. Companies that apply pesticides to trees for hire need a Georgia Department of Agriculture pesticide contractor's license.
No. Each city and county sets its own tree ordinance. Decatur, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Roswell, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties all have different thresholds, permits and penalties, so your exact address matters.
CanICut.com is a free, unofficial guide. It summarizes official ordinances and links to each permitting office. Always confirm with your local arborist or permitting office before cutting.
Guides: What cutting a tree without a permit can cost you · Hiring a tree company: licenses & certifications