Georgia does not have a statewide tree removal permit requirement, but local municipalities do. In the cities we serve, requirements range from no permit for small trees to a mandatory permit for any hardwood above a minimum trunk diameter. The rules in Smyrna are different from the rules in Marietta, and Mableton’s situation is newer than both.
This guide covers what applies in each city so you know exactly what to expect before work begins. Regulations change. This guide reflects our current knowledge as of June 2026. Always verify current requirements with the relevant city or county before proceeding.
Quick Reference: Permit Requirements by City
City/Area | Governing Authority | Hardwood Threshold | Pine Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smyrna | City of Smyrna Community Development | 6 in. DBH | Verify | Incorporated city; Cobb County rules do not apply |
Marietta | City of Marietta Urban Forestry Division | 6 in. DBH | Verify | Canopy replacement often required; actively enforced |
Vinings | Cobb County Community Development | 6 in. DBH | 12 in. DBH | Unincorporated; check HOA covenants separately |
Mableton | Mableton City Hall / Cobb County | 6 in. DBH | 12 in. DBH | Incorporated 2023; Cobb County rules currently apply |
Austell (Cobb side) | Cobb County Community Development | 6 in. DBH | 12 in. DBH | Douglas County rules apply on the Douglas side |
DBH = diameter at breast height, measured at 4.5 feet above ground. All thresholds reflect current knowledge as of June 2026. Verify with the relevant authority before scheduling work.
City of Smyrna Tree Removal Rules
Smyrna is an incorporated city. Cobb County ordinances do not apply within Smyrna city limits.
Smyrna has its own Tree Protection Ordinance. Trees 6 inches DBH and larger on private property may require a permit. Common exemptions include dead or hazardous trees (documentation of the tree’s condition is typically required) and trees below the DBH threshold.
To apply: contact City of Smyrna Community Development. We advise on permit requirements at the free estimate and can document hazardous tree status when applicable.
For more on tree service in Smyrna, see our main service area page.
City of Marietta Tree Removal Rules
Marietta has one of the more strictly enforced tree ordinances in the area. The City of Marietta Urban Forestry Division administers removal permits for trees 6 inches DBH and larger on private property. Certain species carry additional protections.
Marietta commonly requires canopy replacement as a condition of the permit: replacement trees planted to offset the canopy being removed.
Marietta enforces its ordinance actively. Unpermitted removals have resulted in fines and required replanting orders. This is not a city where skipping the permit process is worth the risk.
To apply: contact the City of Marietta Urban Forestry Division.
For more on tree service in Marietta, see our Marietta service area page.
Vinings: Unincorporated Cobb County
Vinings is not an incorporated city. Cobb County ordinances govern.
Under Cobb County’s tree ordinance, hardwood trees 6 inches DBH or larger and pine trees 12 inches DBH or larger require a permit for removal on private property. Permit applications go through Cobb County Community Development.
HOA note: most Vinings communities have additional tree protection language in their CC&Rs, often stricter than the county ordinance. Check your HOA covenants separately before scheduling any work.
For more on tree service in Vinings, see our Vinings service area page.
Mableton Tree Removal Rules
Mableton incorporated as a city in 2023. It is currently operating under Cobb County ordinances while its own city government develops local policies.
Current rule: Cobb County thresholds apply (6-inch DBH hardwoods, 12-inch DBH pines). As Mableton establishes its own ordinances, these requirements may change.
For current guidance, contact Mableton City Hall or Cobb County Community Development. We stay current on this and advise at every estimate.
For more on tree service in Mableton, see our Mableton service area page.
Austell Tree Removal Rules
Austell sits on the Cobb County and Douglas County line. Which ordinance applies depends on which side of the line your property falls.
Cobb County side: Standard Cobb County rules apply (6-inch DBH hardwoods, 12-inch DBH pines). Contact Cobb County Community Development.
Douglas County side: Douglas County has its own tree ordinance. Contact Douglas County Community Development for current requirements.
City of Austell incorporated area: The city occupies a small footprint. Contact the city directly for ordinance specifics if your address falls within city limits.
We serve the Cobb County portion of Austell. For more on tree service in Austell, see our Austell service area page.
What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit?
Jurisdiction | Enforcement Level | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
Marietta | Active | Fines, required replanting |
Smyrna | Moderate | Fines possible |
Cobb County (Vinings, Mableton) | Varies | Fines, required replanting |
Beyond fines and replanting orders, unpermitted removal can surface during a property sale. Title research and disclosure requirements can flag the violation, and it becomes your problem at closing.
Permit applications are the straightforward path. We walk you through the process at the estimate.
When No Permit Is Typically Required
Most jurisdictions exempt certain situations from the permit requirement:
- Dead or hazardous trees. Documentation of the tree’s condition is typically required. A written hazard assessment from the crew satisfies that requirement in most cases.
- Trees below the DBH threshold. Small trees under the applicable diameter limit in your jurisdiction.
- Trees already on the ground. A tree that fell due to storm or natural causes is generally exempt.
- Trees outside applicable setback areas. Rules vary by jurisdiction.
Always verify with your specific city or county before proceeding. “I thought it was exempt” is not a workable defense if a code officer disagrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Cobb County?
For unincorporated Cobb County (including Vinings and currently Mableton), yes for hardwood trees 6 inches DBH or larger and pine trees 12 inches DBH or larger. Incorporated cities within the county (Smyrna, Marietta, and the City of Austell) follow their own ordinances. Verify with the relevant authority for your specific address.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Marietta, GA?
For trees 6 inches DBH and larger on private property, generally yes. The City of Marietta Urban Forestry Division administers the permits. Marietta enforces actively and often requires canopy replacement. Contact the Urban Forestry Division before scheduling any removal.
Is it illegal to cut down trees on your own property in Georgia?
Georgia has no statewide prohibition on removing trees from private property. But local ordinances in Smyrna, Marietta, and Cobb County impose permit requirements based on tree size and location. Those local rules govern, not state law. Within the cities we serve, the permit question depends on tree size, species, and your specific city or county.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit in Georgia?
At the local level, fines and required replanting are the most common consequences, especially in Marietta where enforcement is active. Unpermitted removals can also create complications during a property sale. The better path is always to check permit requirements before the work starts.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Smyrna, GA?
For trees 6 inches DBH and larger, the City of Smyrna Tree Protection Ordinance may require a permit. Dead or hazardous trees are often exempt with proper documentation. Contact City of Smyrna Community Development for current requirements, or let us advise you at the free estimate.
We Handle the Permit Questions at the Estimate
No homeowner should have to research local tree ordinances on their own before calling a crew.
At every free estimate, we tell you what permit requirements apply to your property, your city, and your specific tree. If the tree is hazardous, we document that. If a permit is needed, we walk you through the process before any work is scheduled.
Rudy Perez founded Tree Service Smyrna in 2020, building on years of family experience in the trade. Fully insured with general liability and workers’ comp. We serve Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Austell, and Marietta.
If you’re researching this because you already have a tree that needs to come down, see our tree removal service page for what the process looks like and what to expect.
Book a Free Estimate | Call 470-994-5343
For emergency tree removal, call 470-994-5343 around the clock.
Sources
- City of Smyrna Community Development — smyrnaga.gov (verify current tree ordinance page before publishing; link to specific ordinance page if available)
- City of Marietta Urban Forestry Division — mariettaga.gov (verify current permit page before publishing)
- Cobb County Community Development — cobbcounty.org (verify current tree ordinance page before publishing)
- Mableton City Hall — verify current contact information and URL before publishing (city established 2023; website may still be developing)
- Douglas County Community Development — verify current URL and tree ordinance page before publishing
