Tree removal in DeKalb County

Removing a tree: DeKalb County’s rules

Outside its cities, DeKalb County counts trees per calendar year. Inside Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain, Tucker and the DeKalb part of Atlanta, the city’s rules apply instead.

DeKalb County, outside the cities

Up to 5 healthy trees a calendar year	No notice, if none is a specimen tree
More than 5, or a specimen tree	Notice of Tree Removal with an arborist’s assessment
Dead, diseased or hazardous	Any time, documented by a certified professional
Under 5 in. across	No notice
Within 75 ft of a stream	Special permits may apply

Specimen: a healthy large tree such as an oak, poplar or pine 30 inches across or more, or a dogwood or redbud 10 inches or more. Applies only outside the cities.

Source: DeKalb County homeowner guide

County Arborist, (404) 371-2949 · DeKalb County homeowner guide

Inside a city, the city’s rules apply. The metro-wide picture: Permits.

Electric utilities in DeKalb County

A tree on a line is the utility’s call first. These serve parts of the county, according to the federal EIA-861 records for 2024; your bill says which is yours.

• Georgia Power Co
• City of Norcross
• Snapping Shoals El Member Corp
• Walton Electric Member Corp

Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938 for a downed line, or 911.

EIA-861, 2024 · Georgia Power storm center

Cities in DeKalb County

• Stonecrest 60k people
• Brookhaven 57k people
• Dunwoody 52k people
• Tucker 37k people
• Chamblee 30k people
• Decatur 24k people