Tree Removal Permit

Augusta-Richmond County Arborist and Tree Removal Process

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Augusta Georgia downtown skyline and trees on the Savannah RiverAugusta-Richmond County is a merged city-county located in east Georgia bordering South Carolina along the Savannah River. Despite being the third largest city in Georgia, Augusta is world-renowned due to being the host city for the famed golf tournament, The Masters.

Augusta experiences all four seasons with mild winters and hot summer months. From winters in the 30’s, to hot and humid summers in the 90’s, Augusta’s outdoor green spaces and parks are ripe with an array of plants and animals.

In addition to the immaculate grounds of the August National Golf Club, its Downtown historical district, Riverwalk and canal tours attract tourists and visitors from abroad.

Augusta-Richmond County enforces regulations to protect their city, its wildlife, and resources. The ordinances dictate everything from tree removal regulations, the variance application process, and public and private development permits. Following is an excerpt from www.treeremovalpermit.com/georgia/augusta-richmond-county-ordinance-arborist-permit-application/ of the Augusta, GA, tree ordinance and permit process.

Emergency or Nuisance Trees on Public Property, Sidewalk or City Street

The removal of a dead, dying, or hazardous tree on public property or right-of-way should be addressed as follows:

Tree Emergency – If storm-damaged limbs or a fallen tree is encountered in the roadway or public property, the situation should be reported via 3-1-1, and its removal will be handled immediately.

Interfering Tree – Residents should report trees that pose a hazard to utilities and power lines to the City, which will dispatch an arborist to determine if the tree needs to be trimmed back or removed completely.

Public Tree Fallen on Private Property – In the event a tree from public property falls onto private property, again the City should be contacted for its removal.

Each of these situations can be immediately addressed and resolved via the City of Augusta 311 Service (dial 3-1-1 from within Augusta or (706) 821-2300 otherwise).

Residential Tree Removal Permit Requirements

Residential property owners in Augusta looking to improve their landscape or remove distressed trees should note these tree removal regulations:

  • If the tree being considered for removal is on private property (under 1 acre), you are usually exempt from and do not require a removal permit (*Unless the tree in question is a Landmark tree).
  • Up to 5 trees may be removed within a calendar year.

Protected Landmark Trees – Within Augusta, Landmark Trees (trees with historical significance, high value or unique character) are considered public landmarks. These species are protected in the Ordinance, and cannot be destroyed or endangered unless otherwise recommended by the Augusta Tree Commission.

Augusta Arborist & Development Contact Information

The Augusta Planning and Development Department can provide further clarification on the tree ordinance, permit, and land development plan requirements. Use the below information to contact the respective city department representative.

Melanie Wilson – Planning and Development Director
Planning and Development
(706) 821-1796
mwilson@augustaga.gov
535 Telfair Street
Suite 300
Augusta, GA 30901

For live troubleshooting or further information, the City of Augusta’s 311 service is also available to you online at http://www.augustaga.gov/1744/Request-a-Service

For the removal permit process and ordinances of other Georgia cities and counties, visit: https://www.treeremovalpermit.com/georgia/

Sources:
http://www.augustaga.gov

Columbus Tree Removal Process and Arborist Information

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Columbus Georgia and the Chattahoochee River skylineAs Georgia’s second-largest city, Columbus lies 100 miles southwest of Atlanta in Muscogee County. To the west is the Chattahoochee River, which divides Columbus from Phenix City, Alabama.

Columbus experiences all four seasons, and the average temperature range is between the 30’s during colder months, and the 90’s in the summer. The city area is within USDA hardiness zone 8a and 8b, and the Muskogee Crape Myrtle is the official tree of Columbus.

There are several parks, trails and outdoor activities that make this city a pleasure. However, as with all US cities, weather, disease and property development make land clearing and the removal of trees a necessity. Following is an excerpt about the tree removal and protection ordinance for Columbus Ga, and can assist you in the removal of dead or hazardous trees.

Do I Need a Permit for a Removal in the City of Columbus?

The tree removal process in the City of Columbus is extremely straightforward. The City does not regulate the removal or upkeep of trees on private property and there is no permit requirement.

After an emergency or when a property owner makes the decision to have a tree removed, it is highly recommended that a professional tree removal service is hired and they are licensed and insured. It is the responsibility of the tree removal service to remove all debris from the property. If the City of Columbus is called for debris removal, there will be a charge for this service.

Trees on public or city property are the responsibility of the City of Columbus’ Urban Forestry Division, and their contact information is below.

Urban Forestry Division for the City of Columbus Georgia

The City of Columbus Urban Forestry & Beautification Division is the city’s Arborist and regulating body for all matters dealing with trees.

Scott Jones
Urban Forestry & Beautification Manager
(706) 653-4000 or 311

Source(s):
http://www.columbusga.org/PublicWorks/Urban.htm

This summary is from the full article found here: https://www.treeremovalpermit.com/georgia/columbus-arborist-protection-ordinance-application/

Savannah Tree Removal Process and Arborist Information

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As the oldest city in coastal Georgia, Savannah has an unbelievable and awe-inspiring southern charm. The cobblestone streets, well-landscaped parks, and historic district are a few points that make it a tourist destination. The Spanish moss covered oaks and beautiful magnolia trees create a shaded experience throughout the city that’s hard to forget.

However, for the Savannah and Chatham county residents, this coastal weather and wind can be a destructive force that alters the trees and otherwise beautiful landscapes. After a heavy storm or other natural disaster, it’s imperative that homeowners and businesses can access the Savannah protection ordinance and tree removal permit application.

City of Savannah Tree Removal Process

If a homeowner wants to remove a tree from his/her property or one that is under 10 feet tall, generally a permit is not needed. However, if that tree is partially or entirely on Savannah land, a permit should be acquired.

You and your Tree Service Professional should refer to the city’s Site Development Permit Plan Review Checklist to answer basic questions about the tree, the land and the impact on the surroundings. Even with a completed checklist, the city’s Arborist may have further questions before granting a permit.

City of Savannah Arborist Contact Information

The city of Savannah Park & Tree Department is charged with the protection and maintenance of the city’s parks, trees and greenery. As such, before any landscape projects or tree removal, they should be consulted.

Gordon Denney
City of Savannah
Georgia Arborist Association
Savannah, GA 31401
(912)651-6610

Sources:
http://www.savannahga.gov

This is a summary of the full version found here: https://www.treeremovalpermit.com/georgia/savannah-arborist-protection-ordinance-application/