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Are Live Oaks Protected in Savannah?

Last reviewed October 19, 2026 · General information, not legal or insurance advice · Sources at the bottom

Not legal advice. This page is general information drawn from the official sources cited below. Rules change, and your situation may differ. Confirm with the local government before acting, and talk to a Georgia attorney about your own case. Coastal Tree Guide is a free referral service, not a law firm, a government agency or a tree contractor.

Short answer: it depends on where the tree stands and how big it is. No single local rule covers every live oak around Savannah.

  • City of Savannah: any tree on public property or right-of-way, including street oaks, can't be trimmed, pruned or removed without written City approval. On private land, existing single-family and duplex lots are exempt from the City's tree permit rules. Larger trees on other kinds of property are protected by size.1
  • Pooler names live oaks specifically: live oaks 18 inches DBH or larger get its highest preservation priority.2
  • Tybee Island requires a permit to remove any tree and lists live oak as a "significant" species (8 inches DBH or larger) that must be replaced or paid for.3,4
  • Unincorporated Chatham County exempts single-family lots recorded before its ordinance took effect.5

DBH means trunk diameter at breast height, measured at 4.5 feet.1 Not sure which government you're under? See areas and local rules.

City of Savannah

The City's Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, and still linked by the City) doesn't single out live oaks by name in the text we reviewed. Instead it protects trees by location, size and property type:1,6

SituationWhat the ordinance says
Street trees and other public propertyNo trimming, pruning or removal without the administrator's written approval. No damaging right-of-way trees, including with nails, signs or wires, or by parking or storing materials over their roots.1
Existing single-family or duplex lotExempt from the clearing and tree permit requirements until the property converts to non-residential or multi-family use.1
Developed property other than single-familyTrees 12 inches DBH or larger are protected.1
Undeveloped propertyTrees larger than 2 inches DBH are protected.1
Specimen TreesA "preferred large canopy tree species" over 24 inches DBH, on commercial, industrial, institutional or multifamily property, that the administrator designates. If one must be removed, the developer owes one additional large tree for each inch over 24.1
Exceptional TreesHardwood canopy trees over 36 inches in diameter that are designated for notable historic interest, high aesthetic value or unique character, on the same property types.1

Hazardous trees: a tree an ISA Certified Arborist finds hazardous is exempt, but the written assessment must go to the City for approval before removal.1

Penalties: the City can issue a notice of violation (seven days to fix, unless the notice allows longer) and stop-work orders. A conviction is punished under the City Code, and tree damage and replacement fees are set in the City's annual Revenue Ordinance. Anyone who damages a tree on City property must pay the difference in the tree's value, the costs of evaluation and corrective work, stump removal and replacement if needed, and other case costs.1 We didn't verify the current dollar amounts.

Unverified: the ordinance points to a separate Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance Manual for the list of "preferred large canopy" species, and we haven't reviewed it. The City's online Code now places tree rules in Part 8, Chapter 12, but we couldn't load the current text. Confirm with Tree Ordinance Administration before any large removal.7

Unincorporated Chatham County

Outside city limits, the County's Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance governs tree protection. Section 24-204 exempts "all single family lots recorded prior to the enactment of this ordinance" from its clearing and tree provisions, along with minor residential subdivisions that create no new road frontage.5 The ordinance's Chatham County Tree Commission is charged with promoting trees, "with the particular objective of establishing and protecting avenues of live oak trees."8

Penalties: violating the ordinance, including failing to keep required Tree Quality Points, carries a fine of $500 to $2,000 per violation on conviction, plus costs. Each day is a separate violation, and both the landowner and anyone who helps commit it can be charged.8 If your lot was recorded more recently, or you're clearing land, check with Chatham County Engineering first.

Tybee Island

The City of Tybee Island says "a permit is required prior to removing a tree." Pruning doesn't need one.3 Under its 2026 Tree Removal Permit Application:4

  • Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is on the Significant Species list. A tree on that list measuring 8 inches DBH or larger is a "Significant Tree." Any native, non-invasive species 18 inches or larger also qualifies.
  • Significant trees of 8 to 23 inches DBH that are removed must be replaced at half the DBH inches removed, using other significant trees or like species at least 3 inches DBH or 8 feet tall.
  • If replanting isn't possible, the application allows a payment of $200 per caliper inch into the Tybee Tree Fund.
  • Replacement trees must survive two full calendar years. Processing may take 7 to 10 business days.

Unverified: the application doesn't state a fine for removing a tree without a permit. Ask Tybee Planning and Zoning at 912-472-5030.3

Pooler

Pooler's Code (Chapter 42, Article VI, Section 42-198) says all trees are protected under the article, with "special emphasis" on large trees and valued species. The highest priority goes to trees 24 inches DBH or larger and live oaks 18 inches DBH or larger (excluding pines and sweet gums).2,9

  • Removal of these significant trees "can only be permitted by the Mayor and City Council during the site and landscape plan review process."2
  • Removed significant trees must be replaced inch for inch with the same species (or a preferred species), each at least 6 inches DBH. Council may allow a tree-fund payment instead, equal to the value of a healthy 6-inch live oak times the number of replacement trees owed.2
  • Pooler also publishes a Tree Removal Permit form asking for each tree's location, size, species and proposed replacement.10

Unverified: the section is written around site and landscape plan review, and we haven't confirmed how it applies to a single tree on an existing home lot or what the fine is. Call Pooler Planning and Development at (912) 748-7261 before removing a large oak.10

Richmond Hill (Bryan County)

Richmond Hill doesn't single out live oaks for protection, but its Unified Development Ordinance protects every tree 16 inches DBH or larger: Heritage trees are 16 to 28 inches and Historic trees are 28 inches or larger. Felling, improperly pruning or destroying one requires a tree removal permit, and the code names live oak as a preferred large canopy tree for required greenway plantings.11 The City's fee schedule lists a $50 residential permit, and fee-in-lieu mitigation of $600 per 6 inches for Heritage trees and $3,000 per 6 inches for Historic trees.12 We didn't find a fine specific to tree violations.

Garden City, Thunderbolt and Port Wentworth

  • Garden City: its Code of Ordinances has a tree protection article (Chapter 90, Article VIII) that requires a permit to remove a tree.13 We couldn't load the official Municode text to confirm the specimen-tree sizes and penalties, so ask the City before any removal.
  • Thunderbolt: the Town posts an Application for Tree Removal Permit.14 We didn't find an official copy of its tree ordinance online, so we don't state its live oak rules here. Call Town Hall at (912) 354-5533.
  • Port Wentworth: the 2023 Zoning Ordinance's tree preservation standards apply to non-residential and multi-family development.15 Confirm home-lot rules with the City.16

Before anyone cuts a big oak

  1. Find your jurisdiction on the Board of Assessors site or SAGIS.17,18 A Savannah mailing address doesn't mean you're in the City.
  2. Check whether the tree is on the right-of-way. If it is, it's the City's tree. Request work through 311.19
  3. Measure the trunk at 4.5 feet and compare it to the thresholds above.
  4. Get written approval or a permit first when one applies. If the tree is dangerous, get a written assessment from an ISA Certified Arborist. See hazard tree assessment.
  5. Check your HOA's rules, which can be stricter than local law.

Want to keep the oak instead? Our live oak pruning guide covers good pruning and why topping hurts.

Need a live oak pruned or assessed? Coastal Tree Guide is a free referral service, not a tree contractor and not a government agency. Tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent local tree company serving your area, when one is available. Responses aren't guaranteed. Phone: (843) 608-8793

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See also: full permit guide · tree removal · all homeowner questions

Frequently asked questions

Are live oaks protected in Savannah?

It depends where the tree is. In the City of Savannah, trees on public property and right-of-way, including street oaks, can't be trimmed, pruned or removed without written City approval. On private land, protection depends on tree size and property type, and existing single-family and duplex lots are exempt from the City's tree permit rules.1

Do I need a permit to cut down a live oak in my yard in Savannah?

If your home is inside the City of Savannah on an existing single-family or duplex lot, the City's ordinance exempts it from the tree permit requirements, unless the tree is on the right-of-way.1 Other jurisdictions differ: Tybee requires a permit for any tree removal, and Richmond Hill requires one for trees 16 inches DBH or larger.3,11 Confirm with your local government first.

Can I remove a live oak in Pooler?

Pooler gives its highest preservation priority to live oaks 18 inches DBH or larger and says removing them can only be permitted by the Mayor and City Council during site and landscape plan review. Replacement is inch for inch.2 Call Pooler Planning and Development at (912) 748-7261 for your situation.10

Are live oaks protected on Tybee Island?

Yes. Tybee requires a permit to remove any tree, and live oak is a significant species at 8 inches DBH or larger. Removed significant trees must be replaced or paid for at $200 per caliper inch into the Tybee Tree Fund.3,4

What is the fine for cutting a protected tree in Chatham County?

In unincorporated Chatham County, violating the Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance carries a fine of $500 to $2,000 per violation on conviction, plus costs, and each day is a separate violation.8 In the City of Savannah, penalties follow the City Code and fees are set in the Revenue Ordinance.1 This isn't legal advice.

Can I trim the live oak in front of my house?

If it's on the City of Savannah right-of-way, often the strip between the sidewalk and the street, you need the City's written approval to trim it. Request pruning through 311 instead.1,19

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Sources

  1. City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
  2. City of Pooler Code, Ch. 42 Art. VI, Sec. 42-198 significant trees (PDF). mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
  3. City of Tybee Island FAQ: tree removal permits. www.cityoftybee.org
  4. City of Tybee Island, Tree Removal Permit Application (2026). www.cityoftybee.org
  5. Chatham County Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance, Sec. 24-204 (rev. 11-17-23, PDF). cdn.chathamcountyga.gov
  6. City of Savannah, Park and Tree (links the tree ordinance). www.savannahga.gov
  7. City of Savannah, Tree Ordinance Administration. www.savannahga.gov
  8. Chatham County Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance, Sec. 24-206(4) (Tree Commission) and Sec. 24-210(5) (violations) (rev. 11-17-23, PDF). cdn.chathamcountyga.gov
  9. City of Pooler ordinance amending Sec. 42-198 (Municode). library.municode.com
  10. City of Pooler, Tree Removal Permit form (2024, PDF). www.pooler-ga.gov
  11. City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
  12. City of Richmond Hill, Development and Review Fees, Article K (approved 4-1-2025). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
  13. Garden City Code of Ordinances, Ch. 90 Art. VIII Tree Protection (Municode). library.municode.com
  14. Town of Thunderbolt, Inspections Department: building permits and applications. www.thunderboltga.org
  15. City of Port Wentworth 2023 Zoning Ordinance (PDF). portwentworthga.gov
  16. City of Port Wentworth (department contacts). portwentworthga.gov
  17. Chatham County Board of Assessors (property records). boa.chathamcountyga.gov
  18. SAGIS, Savannah Area Geographic Information System (maps and jurisdiction layers). www.sagis.org
  19. City of Savannah, Urban Forestry (311 and 24-hour dispatch for right-of-way trees). savannahga.gov