Sandy Springs Tree Removal Permits: A Guide for Georgia Tree Service Companies

Short answer: In Sandy Springs, a tree removal permit is generally required when a tree being removed apart from construction measures 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), or 10 inches or more for a dogwood or redbud, or sits in the 75-foot stream buffer. Property owners, certified arborists and commercial tree removal company representatives can apply. Always confirm current rules with the city before you schedule the crew.

When Sandy Springs requires a permit

According to the City of Sandy Springs, a Tree Removal Permit is required when a tree is removed independently of construction and meets one of these criteria:

• Any tree 18 inches DBH or larger
• A dogwood or redbud 10 inches DBH or larger
• Any tree within the 75-foot stream buffer corridor

A permit is also required when a job combines healthy trees with dead, dying, diseased or hazardous trees.

Dead or hazardous trees

For a dead or hazardous tree, the city asks for documentation before removal, sent to the City Arborist. The city's pages describe this a little differently: one asks for a description and photos emailed to [email protected], and another calls for an arborist report prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist, with photos accepted when a tree is visibly dead. Check with the City Arborist on which applies to your job.

Landmark trees and replacement

• Landmark trees: hardwoods 27 inches DBH or larger, pines 30 inches or larger, dogwoods and redbuds 10 inches or larger.
• Landmark trees are replaced at 1.5 trees per tree removed, with replacement trees at least 2.5-inch caliper.
• Where a lot falls below the city's minimum canopy (35% residential, 40% commercial), the city lists a $1,200 payment into the City Tree Fund for each protected tree removed.

Construction projects

When trees come down as part of construction, the city requires a Tree Conservation Plan under its Development Code instead of a Tree Removal Permit application.

Roadside work: insurance questions to settle first

Many Sandy Springs removals happen next to busy roads, power lines and parked cars. Before you take that work, review these with your agent:

• Is your general liability policy classified for tree removal, not just trimming or landscaping?
• Does your policy have height, crane or climbing restrictions that affect this job?
• Are your trucks, chippers and cranes scheduled on the right auto or equipment policies?
• Does the homeowner or property manager want to be named as an additional insured?
• Do your workers' comp and your subcontractors' certificates cover everyone on the crew?

These answers depend on your policy wording, so read the policy and ask us before the job. Tree work is a specialty market: we work with carriers and specialty markets that write Georgia tree services.

Common questions

Who pulls the permit, the homeowner or the tree company?

The city lets property owners, certified arborists and commercial tree removal company representatives apply. Agree in writing who is responsible before the job.

Is there a permit fee?

Fees are paid through the city's online permitting portal. Check the portal for the current amount.

Does the city require tree companies to be insured?

The city's permit pages we reviewed do not list an insurance requirement for tree companies. Your customers, GCs and property managers usually do.

Insure your tree crew properly. Call (470) 648-6767 or start a tree service quote. Related: Georgia tree service insurance and Roswell tree removal permits and roadside liability.

Sources: City of Sandy Springs, Tree Removal Permits; City of Sandy Springs, When is a Tree Removal Permit required? (reviewed November 2026).

Quinn Alliance LLC, GA License #244699. For Georgia businesses only. Educational only, not legal advice; city rules change, so confirm with the City of Sandy Springs. Coverage is subject to underwriting and to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.