City Council increases fines for illegal tree removal to support costly urban planting

During the Atlanta City Council's CDHS Committee work session on May 1, 2025, significant strides were made toward enhancing the city's Tree Protection Ordinance. A key decision was made to increase fines for illegal tree removal, addressing concerns that current penalties do not adequately cover the costs associated with replanting trees.

Currently, the city imposes a recompense of $100 per tree plus an additional $30 per inch for illegal removals. However, city officials highlighted that these amounts fall short of the actual expenses incurred when planting trees in challenging urban environments. The city often faces unique obstacles, such as utilities and road infrastructure, which necessitate specialized planting techniques and materials, making the process more costly.

The proposed increase in recompense aims to reflect these higher costs and has not been adjusted in many years. City officials noted that the development community had suggested an alternative proposal linked to inflation, which will be further discussed in future meetings.

Additionally, the committee reviewed a comparison of recompense policies with neighboring cities, emphasizing the need for a more robust framework to protect Atlanta's urban forest. David Zaporanek, a city representative, is expected to provide insights into tree replacement strategies for public projects in upcoming discussions.

This initiative marks a crucial step in Atlanta's commitment to environmental sustainability and urban forestry, ensuring that the city can effectively manage its tree resources while promoting responsible development practices. As the council moves forward, the implications of these changes will be closely monitored by community stakeholders and environmental advocates alike.