Tree service in Decatur, GA

We trim, remove and clean up trees in the City of Decatur, from Oakhurst and Winnona Park to the MAK Historic District and the streets around Decatur Square. Call or text (678) 491-1254 for a free written estimate, any hour for storms.

Decatur has a thick canopy and strict tree rules. Most removals here start with an arborist's report and a city permit. We'll walk the property with you, tell you what we see, and take the tree down in sections with a climber and ropes once it's approved.

Yes. In the City of Decatur, any tree 6 inches or more across is protected, and you need a Tree Removal Permit to take one down (City of Decatur, permit summary).

• Healthy trees: since the ordinance took effect in March 2022, homeowners can no longer take down three healthy trees every 18 months.
• Dead, diseased or hazardous trees: the city issues permits for dead or untreatably diseased trees, and for trees a certified arborist rates moderate risk or higher with a target such as a house nearby. You'll need the arborist's risk assessment. Dead trees use a dead tree affirmation and photos sent to treepermits@decaturga.com.
• Boundary trees: a tree on the property line needs written agreement from both owners.
• Canopy loss fee and replanting: removing a protected tree in fair or better condition carries a canopy loss fee, and permits require planting to keep no net loss of canopy.
• Building, additions, pools and utility work near trees need a pre-application meeting with the city arborist.
• Permits are filed online. Processing can take up to 10 business days.

Before a big removal, call the city's planning office so you know what the permit will require.

Decatur's 2021 canopy assessment put citywide tree canopy at about 57 percent and found single-family redevelopment was the biggest cause of canopy loss, with storms and discretionary removals also on the list (City of Decatur). That's why the rules are strict, and why a tree that can be saved with good trimming usually should be. We'll tell you when that's the case.

Watch your pines. Georgia logged more than 1,600 southern pine beetle spots in 2024, up from 273 the year before (UGA Bugwood Center). Needles browning from the top down and small lumps of sap on the bark are the signs. Beetle-killed pines dry out and get brittle fast, so they should come down soon.

Georgia Power serves Decatur. If a tree is on a line, call Georgia Power first and stay well away from it.

Nearby towns we also serve

Tucker · Brookhaven · Chamblee · Stone Mountain

Our services in Decatur

Tree removal · Emergency tree removal · Tree trimming · Stump grinding · Pine tree removal · Lot clearing