Latest Tree Ordinance Changes Had No Effect
The changes to the Tree Ordinance that took effect in April 2023 have not reduced tree loss. Rather, tree loss surged in the last three quarters of 2023 compared to the same time period in 2022. Healthy tree removal increased by 52% and illegal tree removal grew by 44%. Removal of dead, dying, and hazardous trees, which have been more consistent over time, rose slightly by 4% after the new Ordinance was passed.
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Although tree loss data has been provided on a quarterly basis since the third quarter of 2019, annual trends are now clear. Healthy tree removal has increased by 121% over the past four years and illegal tree removal has more than doubled. The removal of dead, dying, and hazardous (DDH) trees has not grown as much, but is still 7% more in 2023 than 2020.
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Please click on each tree category below to understand more about the tree loss we are seeing in each category.
Key takeaways:
- Healthy tree removal has increased by 121% over the past four years.
- Our Tree Ordinance currently focuses on preserving trees on lots zoned as single-family residential, but the majority of our tree canopy loss is now happening on non-single family residential developments.
- We may need to strengthen the Tree Ordinance's protection in non-single family residential zoning categories.
Key takeaways:
- DDH tree removal rates are not growing as fast as other categories of tree removal, but is still 7% more in 2023 than 2020.
- Very few DDH permit applications are denied and the DDH approval rate is increasing each year:
- 2020: No data available
- 2021: 88% (Qtrs. 2 - 4)
- 2022: 91%
- 2023: 94%
Key takeaways:
- Illegal tree removal has more than doubled since 2020.
- The Atlanta Police Department no longer stops illegal tree removal as it is happening and there is no other City agency able to fill the gap.
- Current fines with no court citations have been ineffective in curbing illegal tree removal.