Navigating Atlanta’s New Tree Protection Ordinance

Helping Developers Adapt with Smarter, More Sustainable Site Design

As cities across the Southeast balance growth with preservation, Atlanta is leading the way with its newly passed tree protection ordinance — raising the bar for development projects across the city. 

The ordinance introduces stricter regulations for removing and replacing mature or specimen trees such as oaks, elms, and maples. For developers, this could affect site layout and project density — or lead to significantly higher removal costs and a greater emphasis on preserving existing canopy coverage.  

But at Bohler, we’re identifying opportunities for smarter, more creative solutions that mitigate the impact on a project’s bottom line.  

Here are three due diligence must-haves to navigate the city’s new tree ordinance efficiently.  

1. Partner with a certified arborist early in the process

to assess tree conditions and lay the groundwork for developing cost-saving strategies. Your design team should use this information to make informed decisions about tree preservation, removal, and replacement before finalizing the site layout. 

2. Work with a design team focused on integrating the site’s natural elements,

and identify a conceptual site layout that preserves as many high-value trees as possible. This will reduce removal and mitigation costs, streamline the approval process, and position the project more favorably with city staff and community stakeholders. 

3. Collaborate with city staff and community stakeholders

to build trust and bring awareness and transparency to the design decisions. Clearly communicating that tree removal is not all bad, and could help relieve a site of invasive species, diseased trees, or hazardous limbs that pose a safety risk to the community. These tactics can help educate opposition and demonstrate responsible stewardship.

Smart Strategies in Action

For a recent project near Piedmont Park, Bohler’s team worked with city officials to adapt plans around existing trees identified as vital to the community’s character. By thoughtfully routing utility lines and walkways around these key assets, the team was able to preserve mature canopy, minimize removal costs, and align the project with both regulatory requirements and neighborhood expectations. 

In Gwinnett County, we preserved tree buffers and natural corridors within a residential project by making strategic layout adjustments and incorporating low-impact trail designs. This approach allowed us to meet regulatory requirements while aligning with the client’s vision for a community that prioritizes both environmental preservation and resident experience.

 Atlanta’s new ordinance represents a shift — but it doesn’t have to be a setback. With thoughtful planning, strategic collaboration, and a design team that understands how to work with (not against) natural assets, development goals can still be fully realized. 

“Our goal is always to preserve what we can. Mature trees aren’t just aesthetic — they reduce heat island effect, increase property value, and are often a defining element of a community’s character,” said Cole Allison, Sr. Landscape Designer at Bohler and a proponent of sustainable, tree-conscious development. “We work to creatively incorporate natural features while still maximizing developable area for the client.”

At Bohler, we see constraints as opportunities to innovate. Let’s partner to turn tree preservation into a strategic advantage for your next project.