
Recognizing When Your Tree May Be At Risk Of Damaging The Property Or Even Injuring People
Trees are important to provide shade and beauty in your backyard or garden. While trees improve the living conditions of your property, there are many
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY AT A RATE YOU CAN AFFORD
If you’re looking for Acworth tree removal or other tree-care services, you’ve found the right place! WeCutUglyTrees.com is your source for every sort of Acworth tree services your lawn might require, from straightforward trimming to emergency tree removal to expert examination and treatment of tree illnesses and bugs. WeCutUglyTrees.com offers dependable tree service in Acworth, Roswell, Marietta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Decatur, Duluth, Brookhaven and all surrounding areas in the Metro Atlanta Area.
Tree removal becomes important when trees create overcrowding, damage structures, or hamper new construction. It is a job best done by specialists to avoid any harm to property or people. We provide a complete range of tree removal services at competitive prices. Our team has the training and equipment to get your job done safely, quickly and efficiently.
Tree trimming and pruning encourages air circulation which reduces disease incidence and the possibility of damage from high winds. Tree trimming also removes unhealthy or dangerous limbs that can easily fall in severe weather and allows more sunlight reach your understory plants.
Stumps interfere with your property's good looks. They can also be a danger if not adequately ground down. The most effective and efficient means of doing this is with a stump grinder. Our stump grinding equipment has the additional capabilities to grind and remove tree roots.
That’s right, we not only service trees but shrubs as well! Shrubs can do two things. They can make a property look really nice or they can make it look more unkept than it actually is. If you have shrubs that need to be removed, shaped or trimmed then we are the company for you.
High winds can harm branches and throw debris around, injuring or breaking off parts of your trees, and heavy rains can saturate the soil and can make it all too easy for trees to tilt, move, and uproot themselves during and after a storm. Whether a tree or branch has in fact fallen or is just threatening to fall, WeCutUglyTrees.com provides 24-hour emergency tree removal and trimming.
Not only are free wood chips attractive ground cover, but they provide beneficial organic material to the soil around shrubs and trees, help the soil retain moisture, and release small amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients as they decompose. Call now to get free wood chips delivered to your property.
We make every effort to make sure the information posted below is correct and up to date. A link to the tree ordinance can be found here.
The purpose of these standards is to facilitate the preservation and/or replacement of trees as part of
the land development process within the municipal boundaries of the City of Acworth. Benefits
derived from tree protection and replanting include: improved control of soil erosion, moderation of
storm water runoff and improved water quality, dust filtration, shading, cooling, enhanced habitat for
desirable wildlife, reduction of noise and glare, climate moderation, increased property values and
aesthetic/scenic amenities.
These regulations shall apply to all real property in the City now and in the future and to all property
on which renovations to an existing building are greater than 51 percent of the building’s appraised
value as shown on the current tax records. In accordance with the Subdivision platting procedures, all
plats (preliminary and final) and subdivision improvement plans must contain a tree protection plan
which meets the standards set forth in this section.
A tree protection and landscaping plan shall be submitted with all other permit drawings as part of the
land disturbance permit process on any non-exempt parcel of land. Land disturbing activity includes any
activity which may result in soil erosion from water or wind and the movement of sediments into state waters or onto lands within the state, including, but not limited to clearing, dredging, grading, excavating,
transporting, and filling of land, excluding agricultural practices. The intent of these standards is to
provide the necessary information to facilitate development project design, plan review, and enforcement
processes in order that the provisions of the ordinance are administered in the most effective manner.
In general, it shall be required that a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of existing trees, exclusive of
acreage contained within any street right-of-way, setback, stream, or wetland buffers, shall be retained
after development in all zoning districts, as identified and defined in this Ordinance. In determining the
number of existing trees to be retained, counts of individual trees shall be utilized. However, upon
approval of the Zoning Administrator, a calculated percentage of tree canopy coverage (based on average
trees per acre) may be used instead. All cleared or disturbed areas shall be planted with trees of suitable
species and to densities specified in this section of the Zoning Ordinance.
1. No land disturbance permit shall be issued for projects/lots until the landscaping plan has been
reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator. All tree protection measures shall be installed
prior to land disturbance and no land disturbance permit shall be issued for full site development
without it being determined that the proposed development is in compliance with the provisions of
these regulations. For each development, the Zoning Administrator, or other City designee, shall visit
the development site, prior to issuance of any clearing permits.
a) The name of the project
b) The name of the owner and/or developer, including 24 hour contact
c) The location of proposed building(s) and corresponding dimensions
d) Spatial limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading and trenching
e) All required undisturbed buffers, landscape strips and parking islands
f) The location of all specimen trees or stands of specimen trees
g) The location of all hardwood trees with a DBH > 4” and softwoods with a DBH > 10”
h) Areas of tree protection and re-vegetation and all relevant tree density calculations
i) The specific name and location of all materials to be planted or maintained on the site
j) Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation and maintenance of tree
protection measures including, but not limited to, detail drawings of protective tree fencing
(both active and passive) including signage and erosion control measures
k) Planting and staking specifications
2. The destruction within any two (2) year period of more than twenty percent (20%) of the trees on any
parcel of land shall be considered as timbering and regulated as such unless site development plans
are submitted and approved as per all applicable City regulations. When site development plans are
not submitted, a timbering permit must be obtained prior to any tree cutting, clearing or clearing and
grubbing. This standard shall apply to all properties which are not zoned exclusively for single family
use and to all properties over two acres in size irrelevant of zoning.
– 2 –
a) The exterior boundary of the site shall have an undisturbed 50 foot buffer area. This buffer
area shall remain undisturbed except for improved perpendicular access points, which may be
no wider than 24 feet. Sites over 2 acres in size must retain a minimum of 50% of those
hardwood trees with a DBH greater than 6 inches and 50% of those softwood trees with a
DBH greater than 12 inches (inclusive of the required buffer).
b) Submitted plans shall include the following information:
1) Owner’s name and address
2) Closed property boundary showing bearing and distances of all property lines
3) Limits of land disturbance activity
4) 24 hour emergency contact name and phone number
5) Location of and detail for the truck exit (crushed stone pad)
6) Delineation and labeling of all required buffer zones
7) Documentation of all existing hardwood trees with a DBH > 6” and all existing
softwood trees with a DBH > 12”
c) All timber harvesting activities shall be in accordance with the U.S. Clean Water Act, Section
404 and Recommended Best Management Practices for Forestry in Georgia.
3. In the event that any tree on any nonexempt parcel of land shall be determined to be in a hazardous or
dangerous condition so as to endanger the public health, safety or welfare, the tree may be removed
upon the written authorization of the Zoning Administrator. In the case of a specimen tree which is
included as part of an approved tree preservation plan, the Zoning Administrator may consult with the
City’s designated professional arborist.
4. The Site Density Factor (SDF) is the minimum tree density required to be maintained on a developed
site based upon the total site area (see Table A). This density requirement must be achieved whether
or not a site had trees prior to development. The required unit density may be achieved by counting
existing trees to be preserved, planting new trees, or some combination of the two.
TABLE A – MINIMUM TREE DENSITY CALCULATIONS
Total area of developed site
(acres)
Minimum density units
provided (per acre)
< 25 15 > 25 20
Existing Density Factor (EDF) is the density of existing trees to be preserved on a site. The EDF
is calculated by converting the diameter of individual trees to density factor units using Table B.
TABLE B – DENSITY CREDIT FOR EXISTING TREES
DBH Density Units Density Units
(inches) (pine species) (hardwoods)
3-4” 0.2 0.3
5-8” 0.3 0.6
9-12” 0.4 0.9
13-16” 0.6 1.2
17-20” 0.8 1.9
21-24” 1.2 2.8
25-31” 2.0 4.5
32-45” 2.5 6.0
46+” 3 7.5
b) Replacement Density Factor (RDF) is the density of new trees to be planted on a site.
Calculate the RDF by subtracting the EDF from the SDF. The density factor credit for each
– 3 –
caliper size of replacement (new) trees is shown in Table C. Any number or combination of
transplantable size trees can be used so long as their total density factor units will equal or
exceed the RDF.
TABLE C – DENSITY CREDIT FOR PLANTED TREES
DBH Density Units
1” or 7 gallon 0.05
2” 0.3
3” 0.5
4-5” 0.8
6-7” 1.2
8-9” 1.5
10+” 2.0
c) For additions to existing projects, the tree density requirements are calculated as noted above
for only those areas in which new land disturbance is taking place.
Ex: Sample Tree Density Calculation
(1) A 2.2 acre site has a Site Density Factor (SDF) of 2.2 x 15 = 33
(2) The Existing Density Factor (EDF) of trees to be preserved is calculated by converting the diameter
of individual trees slated for preservation to density factor units as follows (all existing trees are
assumed to be hardwoods):
DBH # of trees unit value Totals
24” 2 x 2.8 = 5.6
18” 8 x 1.9 = 15.2
10” 10 x 0.9 = 9.0
Total EDF 29.8
(3) Replacement Density Factor (RDF) calculates the minimum density of new trees to be planted by
subtracting the EDF from the SDF:
RDF = 44 – 29.8 = 14.2 units required
(4) Table B is used to determine the RDF as follows:
DBH # of trees unit value Totals
2” 20 x 0.3 = 6.0
4” 8 x 0.8 = 6.4
6” 3 x 1.2 = 3.6
Total RDF 16.0
EDF (29.8) + RDF (16.0) > SDF (45.8) therefore DENSITY SATISFIED
d) Specimen trees warrant special consideration and encouragement for preservation. In order to
encourage the preservation of specimen trees and the incorporation of these trees into the design
of projects, additional density credit will be given for specimen trees which are successfully
saved by a design feature specifically designated for such purpose [subsections (I)(3) and (I)(4)].
Credit for any specimen tree thus saved shall be calculated at twice the assigned unit value shown
in Table E
If a specimen tree is to be removed, a plan or written documentation indicating the reason for the
removal must be submitted to the Administrator. Specimen trees must be replaced by species
with potentials for comparable size and quality based on the unit value of the tree (for example, a
30” hardwood specimen tree worth 4.5 units per Table B shall be replaced with 4.5 units worth of
– 4 –
comparable species trees). Any specimen tree which is removed without the appropriate review
and approval of the Administrator must be replaced by trees with a total density equal to one and
one half (1 ½) times the unit value of the tree removed. Size alone will determine whether a tree
was of specimen quality if the tree is removed without approval.
The following criteria are used by the Zoning Administrator and the appointed City Arborist to
identify specimen trees. Both size and condition criteria must be met for a tree to qualify.
Size:
• Large hardwoods: 18-inch diameter or larger
• Large softwoods: 24-inch diameter or larger
• Understory trees: 9-inch diameter or larger
Condition:
• Life expectancy of greater than 15 years
• Relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay
• No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only)
• No major insect or pathological problem
1. The protective zone for designated tree save areas shall include no less than the total area beneath the
tree(s) canopy, as defined by the farthest canopy dripline of the tree(s).
2. Construction site activities such as material storage, concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., may
not encroach into designated tree protective zones.
3. No disturbance shall occur within the protective zone of specimen trees or stands of trees without
prior approval by the Zoning Administrator.
4. The use of tree save islands and stands is encouraged over the protection of individual (nonspecimen) trees scattered throughout a site. This will facilitate ease in overall site organization,
increase the effectiveness of protection measures and prevent pathology.
5. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans should accommodate the required tree protective
zones. Utilities must be placed between tree protective zones or incorporate those techniques
described in subsections (I)(3) and (I)(4)
critical root zones of all protected tree zones.
2. Active protective tree fences must be at least 4 feet high and may be either a wood and post
construction or orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing.
3. All tree protection zones should be designated as such with “tree save area” signs posted visibly on all
sides of the fenced area. These signs are intended to inform subcontractors of the tree protection
process. Signs requesting subcontractor cooperation and compliance with tree protection standards
are recommended for site entrances although the developer shall be held responsible for any
violations found.
4. All specimen trees or stands of trees, or otherwise designated tree protective zones must be protected
from the sedimentation of erosion control. Silt screening must be placed along the outer uphill edge of
tree protective zones at the land disturbance interface and shall be backed by twelve (12) gauge two
(2) inch x four (4) inch wire mesh fencing in areas of steep slope.
5. All erosion control must comply with the City’s Soil Erosion Control ordinance. All tree fencing and
erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and maintained throughout the land disturbance
process and building construction and may not be removed until landscaping is installed.
– 5 –
1. Interior landscaping: Interior landscaping of at-grade parking lots shall contain planter islands located
so as to relieve the expanse of parking, provide shading and channel water runoff. A maximum of 12
parking spaces in a row shall be permitted without a planter island. In addition, planter islands shall
be placed at the ends of all parking bays. Planter islands shall have a minimum of 125 square feet in
area and shall contain at least one hardwood overstory shade tree having at installation a minimum
DBH of 3 inches and 10 feet in height for each row of parking. If a double row of parking (spaces
facing each other) is utilized, a single planter island shall be provided at each end of the rows, each
planted with two trees. This requirement may be waived in those instances in which facing parking
rows are separated by a continuous island at least five feet in width containing at least one tree every
fifteen feet. The remaining area shall be landscaped with appropriate materials.
2. Each area of the site which abuts public right-of-way (or improved accessways providing access to
the interior of a development) must provide a planted border not less than 10 feet in width parallel to
right-of-way lines (5 feet minimum for accessways). These planted border areas must have at least
one tree having a minimum DBH of 2 inches for each 20 lineal feet of border area with a minimum of
2 trees if the strip is greater than 25 feet in length. Pine species are excluded from parking islands and
along right-of-ways/accessways. The remainder of the planted area shall be landscaped with
appropriate materials.
3. Accessways: Landscaped border areas may be interrupted to provide perpendicular vehicular and/or
pedestrian ingress and egress, maximum 24 feet wide.
4. Encroachment: Landscaped areas shall require protection from vehicular encroachment. Car stops
shall be located so as to prevent damage to any trees, fences, shrubs or landscaping by automobiles
Most trees can tolerate only a small percentage of critical root zone loss. If encroachment is
anticipated within the critical root zones of specimen trees, stands of trees, or otherwise designated
protected tree zones, the following preventative measures shall be employed:
1. Clearing activities: Roots often fuse and tangle among trees. The removal of trees adjacent to tree
save areas can cause inadvertent damage to the protected trees. Wherever possible, it is advisable to
cut minimum 2 foot deep trenches (e.g. with a ditch-witch) along the limits of land disturbance, so as
to cut, rather than tear, roots. Trenching may be required for the protection of specimen trees.
2. Soil compaction: Where compaction might occur due to traffic or materials storage, the tree
protective zone must first be mulched with a minimum four inch layer of processed pine bark or wood
chips, or a six inch layer of pine straw.
3. Trenching: The installation of utilities through a protective zone should occur by way of tunneling
rather than trenching.
4. Grade changes: Moderate fill can be tolerated within a tree’s critical root zone with the prior
installation of an aeration system. A decrease in grade is best accomplished through the use of
retaining walls or terracing.
5. When irreparable damage has occurred to trees within the tree protective zones, the trees must be
removed and replaced with new trees of comparable size.
Remedial site reclamation and tree care procedures shall be implemented when encroachment within
protective zones has caused damage to either the tree or the trees’ growing site and the damage is
reparable. If encroachment is anticipated, these horticultural practices should be employed as
preemptive measures to improve tree survival.
1. Once a tree has been damaged, it is advisable to delay pruning until the deadwood becomes evident
(1-3 years). Pruning for deadwood removal is then recommended. The removal of live plant tissue
from a damaged tree can accelerate decline. Pruning of root severed trees may reduce the possibility
of windthrow. Trees which have not been affected by construction activities can be pruned for
maintenance of the tree’s health, appearance and safety.
– 6 –
2. Fertilizer applications will enhance the vigor of trees stressed by site disturbances, thereby promoting
root development.
3. A tree’s adequate root development, and ultimately its chances for survival, is improved with
reclamation of the growing site. Whenever possible, the soil should be brought back to its natural
grade. Compacted soils within the critical root zones of trees should be aerated. The air exchange,
nutrient, and water holding capacities of soils can be improved with soil amendments. A 4 to 6 inch
layer of mulch material, such as pine bark or wood chips, spread within the critical root zones of trees
on construction sites, is extremely beneficial.
4. The availability of water to trees on construction sites should be monitored. If grade changes or
excessive rain cause the accumulation of water near trees, steps must be taken to improve drainage.
Conversely, if grade changes or prolonged periods without rain cause a drought situation, then
irrigation may be necessary.
1. The replacement of trees must occur if the EDF does not meet the calculated SDF. The quantity of
replacement trees must be sufficient so as to produce a total site-tree density factor which meets the
requirements established in subsection (D)(4). (Note: the terms ‘unit’ and ‘tree’ are NOT
interchangeable).
2. Species selected for replacement must be quality specimens and ecologically compatible with the site.
Table D lists those species of trees generally acceptable for credit in density calculations based upon
use or need. The Zoning Administrator has information on trees and may accept alternatives to those
listed in Table D. Pine species may only be planted in buffer or screening areas to the rear of the
principal use and are specifically excluded from parking islands and along right-of-ways. Revegetation plans that consist of more than ten (10) new trees shall incorporate at least three (3)
separate tree species whereby no single tree species accounts for more than 50% of all newly planted
trees. In any case, no more than 50% of all new trees may be evergreen or pine species, regardless of
their planting location.
3. Any portion of the subject property which is within a utility power easement is required to meet the
height standards of the controlling entity. These areas may be required by the City to have additional
vegetation installed to compensate for these restrictions, subject to approval from the Zoning
Administrator.
4. All trees and landscaping shall be installed in a sound workmanlike manner and according to accepted
planting procedures with quality materials as provided in literature from the Georgia Forestry
Commission or the Georgia Extension Service. All landscaping shall be completed within 6 months
after the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, however any required fencing shall be
installed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. Should the landscaping not be completed in
this period, it shall be deemed a violation of this section. The Zoning Administrator shall have the
authority to grant a two month temporary waiver to the planting requirement due to inclement
weather, natural disasters or other such unforeseen instances. This waiver shall only be given upon
written request from the owner/ applicant of the development project. The request shall state the
reason(s) for the planting delay, and shall list the timeline for the plantings.
5. The owner, occupant, tenant or agent, shall be jointly responsible for the maintenance of all
landscaping. Landscaping shall be maintained in a good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and
orderly appearance at least equal to the original installation. Any dead vegetation and landscaping
material or any damaged nonliving landscaping materials shall be promptly replaced.
A maintenance bond or letter of credit shall be posted prior to the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy. This bond or letter of credit shall be derived through the average of three written
estimates provided by the applicant from nurseries including the plant materials, labor and any other
costs associated with the plantings. The bond or letter of credit shall be released by the City one year
after the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
6. In the event that the minimum tree density cannot be met on a parcel, and after all other measures of
planting have been exhausted, two (2) alternates, at the discretion of the Administrator, are available
– 7 –
for compensation and issuance of approval. An allocation for alternate compliance shall not exceed
more that fifty percent (50%) of the tree density for a specific plan.
a) Tree Bank:
It shall be at the discretion of the Administrator to designate site(s) other than said parcel
for tree bank planting in order to achieve minimum density requirements.
b) Tree Replacement Fund:
It shall be at the discretion of the Administrator to allow contributions to the City of
Acworth Tree Replacement Fund for planting of over-story trees at designated site(s)
within the City of Acworth. Contributions shall be calculated as to reflect the current
replacement cost (including labor) of the total number of trees that are required but are
not planted. This amount shall be derived through an average of three written estimates
provided by the applicant from nurseries including the plant materials, labor and any
other costs associated with the plantings.
Beyond tree protection and re-vegetation, the extent of permissible impervious surfaces and required
landscaping are regulated through the standards of the controlling zoning district. Landscaping may
include grass, hedges and trees as well as natural features. All site plans submitted for new
construction or renovations to an existing building in which the construction costs exceed 51 percent
of the building’s appraised value as shown on the current tax records (subject to those exemptions
specified in Subsection B) must contain a separate landscape plan which includes the following
information:
Table D. denotes those species of trees which may be incorporated for full credit towards the tree
replacement requirements of paragraph (D). Other trees may be approved on a case by case basis
provided they are large growing and ecologically compatible with the site. Re-vegetation plans
containing at least ten new trees must incorporate at least three separate tree species with no single
tree species accounting for more than 50% of all newly planted trees. Pine trees can be utilized for
screening and buffer areas only. All planting and replanting plans are subject to approval through the
– 8 –
– 9 –
– 10 –
Enforcement of the provisions of this section shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Administrator.
In some cases, the City shall employ the expertise of a professional arborist to assist the Zoning
Administrator. An arborist shall assist the City when: A) required as part of specific zoning
stipulation and/or B) when an applicant has specifically identified significant sized specimen trees to
save (Such as listed in Section D (4) d)). The arborist will become involved in the project over three
time periods: 1) prior to any land disturbance the arborist would review the tree preservation plans,
inspect the health of the proposed trees to save, and inspect the installed tree-save measures on-site,
2) During the construction of the project the arborist would work with the Zoning Administrator to
inspect that the proper tree-save fencing and other measures are being maintained, 3) After the site is
completed the arborist would make a final inspection of the saved trees.
If, after inspection of a project by the administrator or designee, the plant materials installed on the
site do not comply with the approved plan, such deficiencies shall be noted in writing. If the
administrator deems the deviations from the approved plan acceptable, they will so note, and the
owner, occupant, tenant, and/or representative will be required to submit promptly a revised plan
showing the actual plantings. This revised plan will be placed on file at the office of the Zoning
Administrator. If, after inspection, the administrator or his/her designee determines the site does not
comply with the approved plan and further determines it to be unacceptable, the owner developer,
occupant, tenant and/or respective agent shall be notified in writing by the Zoning Administrator of
said violations and given 30 days in which to correct all violations. Failure to make such corrections
to plans not in accordance with the approved plan shall be a violation of this section and shall be
punishable by a maximum fine or other punishment such as imprisonment, as set by the Municipal
Court Judge.
The Board of Aldermen shall have the authority to consider and act upon any application submitted
for adjustment of standards provided herein.
In most cases the answer is no, every job no matter how big or small is different. Factors such as: Proximity to house, accessibility, permits, tree health, chipping, and clean up are all taken in to consideration. We offer a FREE onsite evaluation to ensure each customer gets the solution that fits them best.
No! It is very much our preference to preserve and prolong the life of your trees. Our first choice is always to prune and trim.
Yes, if it is determined that your job will require a permit, our staff will guide you through the process and work with city officials.
In emergency situations we can often get to your job the same day. Other jobs are scheduled based on weather and other external factors. Our office will work with you to accommodate your schedule as best as possible.
The majority of our clients are not home during business hours. Clients do not need to be present, but one of our staff will walk the property with the client upon completion.
WeCutUglyTrees.com employs multiple crews. For example, one crew will handle the tree removal and pruning services while log pickup and stump grinding our handled by another crew. All services will be completed within a timely manner.
No data to show...
No data to show...
Trees are important to provide shade and beauty in your backyard or garden. While trees improve the living conditions of your property, there are many
When people think about hiring an arborist, they generally think they should only do this when something is wrong with their trees. Arborists are able
When you are looking to identify the right arborist to properly care for your trees, there are plenty of things that you should be looking