Tree advocates press council to adopt a tree‑preservation standard to end clear‑cutting on single‑family lots

A coalition of environmental and neighborhood advocates urged Atlanta City Council to adopt a tree‑preservation standard to the city's Tree Protection Ordinance that would prevent clear‑cutting on single‑family residential lots and give landowners clearer rights about which trees may be removed.

"We have to end the clear cutting in Atlanta," said Chet Tisdale, an environmental lawyer and member of the Tree Conservation Commission. Tisdale said a negotiated standard was vetted by planning staff, the law department and stakeholder groups over several years and that the council could adopt the amendment promptly to preserve mature trees.

Tisdale argued the change would give landowners and developers "valuable rights" — the ability to identify a buildable area and decide which trees to keep — while preventing wholesale removal of tree canopy. He noted the city loses roughly "0.43 acres a day to development" and framed trees as Atlanta's most precious natural resource.

Speakers called the measure balanced, saying it protects both property rights and the public interest in canopy, stormwater control and public health. Advocates asked the council to hold a work session and to add the vetted preservation standard to the existing ordinance rather than delay the step to a later phase.

Councilmembers thanked advocates for the work and said they would consider next steps; there was no formal vote at the meeting. The tree advocates urged expedited action, arguing that an amendment to the Tree Protection Ordinance would reduce stormwater costs and protect neighborhood character.