Atlanta’s Urban Forest

Why Native Trees?

The Tree Conservation Commission recommends planting trees native to the Piedmont, or foothills region, of the eastern United States (which includes Atlanta) wherever possible. Native trees are adapted to local growing conditions and ecosystems and often perform best over the long run. They also give the region its distinct natural identity.

The Tree Conservation Commission encourages the planting of native overstory trees where space allows. These native beauties include: White oak, Quercus alba; Southern red oak, Quercus falcata; Bitternut hickory, Carya cordiformis; Tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera; American beech, Fagus grandifolia; and many others.

The City’s Recommended Tree Planting List also includes many non-native tree species that are adapted well to this area and the unique stresses of urban environments. Exotic trees that exhibit invasive properties and are known to compete with native species are not included on the list. The best approach for selecting a tree to plant is to evaluate sunlight, soil volume and quality, water sources, and other physical conditions of the site. For additional recommended overstory and understory trees, and trees suitable to specific conditions, see the City of Atlanta’s Recommended Tree Planting List.

Native Trees of Atlanta and Surrounding Piedmont

To obtain Native Trees of Atlanta and Surrounding Piedmont posters (24” x 36”), contact the Tree Conservation Commission (Kathy Evans at kaevans@atlantaga.gov) or call the City of Atlanta Arborist Division, 404-330-6874.

What Not to Plant

The City of Atlanta recommends against planting invasive and undesirable tree species that have invasive qualities or undesirable growth habits.   Removal of invasive species over six inches in diameter requires a permit, but is exempt from posting, public appeal, replacement, and recompense requirements.  In no circumstances shall these species be planted for credit or count toward tree planting requirements.  Removal of undesirable species over six inches in diameter requires a permit, but is exempt form posting and recompense requirements.  When five or more undesirable species are removed form a non-construction site, replanting is required and must be documented in a landscaping plan.  Find a complete list of invasive and undesirable tree species on the City’s guide sheet.

Invasive woody vines such as English ivy can kill trees.  The City of Atlanta recommends removing invasive vines to keep trees healthy.  To learn how to: 1) safely remove English ivy and other invasive woody vines from trees without harming them ; and 2) distinguish harmful invasive vines from beneficial native vines, see the City’s guide sheet

Where such species of tree is larger than 12 inches DBH on private property, the owner need not post the tree, and need only replace the tree or pay recompense if the tree cover on the lot from which the tree is removed is less than the minimum tree cover per zoning district [per Section 158-103(g) of the ordinance]. For more information about exotic plants to avoid, see the Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council.

Where such species of tree is larger than 12 inches DBH on private property, the owner need not post the tree, and need only replace the tree or pay recompense if the tree cover on the lot from which the tree is removed is less than the minimum tree cover per zoning district [per Section 158-103(g) of the ordinance]. For more information about exotic plants to avoid, see the Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council.

Atlanta’s Urban Forest

Why Native Trees?

The Tree Conservation Commission recommends planting trees native to the Piedmont, or foothills region, of the eastern United States (which includes Atlanta) wherever possible. Native trees are adapted to local growing conditions and ecosystems and often perform best over the long run. They also give the region its distinct natural identity.

The Tree Conservation Commission encourages the planting of native overstory trees where space allows. These native beauties include: White oak, Quercus alba; Southern red oak, Quercus falcata; Bitternut hickory, Carya cordiformis; Tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera; American beech, Fagus grandifolia; and many others.

The City’s Recommended Tree Planting List also includes many non-native tree species that are adapted well to this area and the unique stresses of urban environments. Exotic trees that exhibit invasive properties and are known to compete with native species are not included on the list. The best approach for selecting a tree to plant is to evaluate sunlight, soil volume and quality, water sources, and other physical conditions of the site. For additional recommended overstory and understory trees, and trees suitable to specific conditions, see the City of Atlanta’s Recommended Tree Planting List.

Native Trees of Atlanta and Surrounding Piedmont

To obtain Native Trees of Atlanta and Surrounding Piedmont posters (24” x 36”), contact the Tree Conservation Commission (Kathy Evans at kaevans@atlantaga.gov) or call the City of Atlanta Arborist Division, 404-330-6874.

What Not to Plant

The City of Atlanta recommends against planting invasive and undesirable tree species that have invasive qualities or undesirable growth habits.   Removal of invasive species over six inches in diameter requires a permit, but is exempt from posting, public appeal, replacement, and recompense requirements.  In no circumstances shall these species be planted for credit or count toward tree planting requirements.  Removal of undesirable species over six inches in diameter requires a permit, but is exempt form posting and recompense requirements.  When five or more undesirable species are removed form a non-construction site, replanting is required and must be documented in a landscaping plan.  Find a complete list of invasive and undesirable tree species on the City’s guide sheet.

Invasive woody vines such as English ivy can kill trees.  The City of Atlanta recommends removing invasive vines to keep trees healthy.  To learn how to: 1) safely remove English ivy and other invasive woody vines from trees without harming them ; and 2) distinguish harmful invasive vines from beneficial native vines, see the City’s guide sheet

Where such species of tree is larger than 12 inches DBH on private property, the owner need not post the tree, and need only replace the tree or pay recompense if the tree cover on the lot from which the tree is removed is less than the minimum tree cover per zoning district [per Section 158-103(g) of the ordinance]. For more information about exotic plants to avoid, see the Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council.

Where such species of tree is larger than 12 inches DBH on private property, the owner need not post the tree, and need only replace the tree or pay recompense if the tree cover on the lot from which the tree is removed is less than the minimum tree cover per zoning district [per Section 158-103(g) of the ordinance]. For more information about exotic plants to avoid, see the Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council.