Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Savannah, GA?
Short answer: it depends on which local government your property is in. "Savannah" mailing addresses span several jurisdictions with very different rules:
| Jurisdiction | Removing a tree from a typical home lot |
|---|---|
| City of Savannah | Lots with an existing single-family home or duplex are exempt from the City's permit rules. Street and right-of-way trees always need written City approval.1 |
| Unincorporated Chatham County | Single-family lots recorded before the County's Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance are exempt from its tree provisions. Newer lots and clearing may need review.2 |
| Tybee Island | Permit required before removing a tree. Pruning doesn't need one.3 |
| Pooler | Tree removal permit. Trees 24"+ and live oaks 18"+ DBH are "significant trees."4,5 |
| Richmond Hill | Permit required to remove (or improperly prune) any tree 16"+ DBH.6 |
| Garden City | Permit required to remove any tree from any property. Limited fee waiver for homeowners doing it themselves.7 |
| Thunderbolt | Permit for public-property trees and for specimen or hazard/nuisance trees on private property. Contractors need a permit and insurance.8 |
| Port Wentworth | Tree preservation rules we found apply to non-residential and multi-family development. Confirm home-lot rules with the City.9 |
Not sure which applies? Look up your parcel on the Chatham County Board of Assessors site or SAGIS maps,10,11 or call the planning office listed below before work starts. HOAs and gated communities often have their own approval rules too.
City of Savannah
The City's Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, and still linked from the City's Park and Tree page) says a property owner generally may not clear property or remove a tree without a clearing permit, unless an exemption applies.1,12
Which trees are protected
| Property type | Protected trees (permit needed unless exempt) |
|---|---|
| Undeveloped property | Any tree larger than 2 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) |
| Developed property (other than single-family lots) | Any tree 12 inches DBH or larger |
| Any property | Trees kept or planted to meet "Tree Quality Points" or greenspace requirements, trees in wetlands, and designated Specimen or Exceptional trees |
Key exemptions
- Existing single-family and duplex lots are exempt from the permit requirements until the property is converted to a non-residential or multi-family use.1
- Hazardous trees: a tree an ISA Certified Arborist determines is hazardous or an imminent threat to public safety is exempt, but the written assessment must be submitted to the City administrator for approval before removal.1 See hazard tree assessment.
- Utility easements, certain airport safety areas, and land zoned and used for agriculture are also exempt.1
Street trees belong to the City
No one may trim, prune or remove any tree on public property without the administrator's written approval, and damaging right-of-way trees can require compensation to the City.1 In many neighborhoods, the big oak between the sidewalk and the street is on the right-of-way. The City's Urban Forestry program maintains those trees. Call 311 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) to request service, or the 24-hour dispatch center at (912) 351-3434 for after-hours emergencies.13
Note: the City's online Code lists its tree rules in Part 8, Chapter 12. We could not load the current section text online, so this summary is based on the 2017 ordinance the City still links. Confirm current rules with the City's Tree Ordinance Administration office before a large removal.14
Unincorporated Chatham County
Outside city limits (much of Wilmington, Whitemarsh and Skidaway Islands, Isle of Hope and Georgetown), Chatham County handles tree protection through its Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance. Section 24-204 exempts from the clearing and tree provisions, among others, "all single family lots recorded prior to the enactment of this ordinance" and minor residential subdivisions that create no new road frontage.2 If your lot was recorded more recently, or you're clearing or grading, contact Chatham County Engineering. To report a tree blocking a County road, use the My Chatham app or mychatham.chathamcountyga.gov.15
Tybee Island
The City of Tybee Island says "a permit is required prior to removing a tree." Planting and pruning don't need a permit.3 The 2026 Tree Removal Permit Application says:16
- Lots must keep a density of 1 tree per 1,500 sq ft of lot area. Trees 6" or more in diameter at 4.5 ft count and must be mapped.
- Mark the trees to be removed on a sketch or survey (species and size) and tag them on site.
- Significant trees (for example live oak, southern magnolia and red maple) must be replaced with like species of at least 3" DBH or otherwise mitigated, for example through the Tybee Tree Fund.
- Processing may take 7–10 business days.
Tybee Planning and Zoning: 912-472-5030.3
Pooler
Pooler publishes a Tree Removal Permit application under Code Chapter 42, Article VI (Tree Protection). It asks for tree location, size (DBH), species and proposed replacement.4 Pooler's significant-tree section gives the highest preservation priority to trees 24" DBH or larger and live oaks 18" DBH or larger (excluding pines and sweet gums), and says removing them "can only be permitted by the Mayor and City Council during the site and landscape plan review process."5,17 Pooler Planning and Development: (912) 748-7261, [email protected].4
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill's Unified Development Ordinance (Section 15.6) applies to all trees in the city, except timber and forestry operations, tree farms and nurseries, and utility work.6
- Protected trees: Heritage trees are 16 to 28 inches DBH. Historic trees are 28 inches DBH or larger.6
- Permit: it is unlawful to fell, improperly prune or otherwise destroy a protected tree without a tree removal permit from the planning director. Apply at least 3 business days ahead. Permits are valid for 60 days.6
- Arborist requirement: ordinary pruning and removal of diseased or dying trees are allowed, but the code says such work "shall only be performed by a certified arborist."6
- Imminent danger: no permit is needed for a tree damaged by storm, fire or vehicle that is expected to fall, once the City or a Certified Arborist or Certified Forester inspects it and certifies the danger in writing to the City.6
- Fees: the City's fee schedule (approved April 1, 2025) lists tree removal permits at $50 residential and $150 commercial, and fee-in-lieu mitigation of $600 per 6" for Heritage trees and $3,000 per 6" for Historic trees.18 The application packet may list a different amount, so confirm the current fee with the City.
Forms: Projects, Applications and Forms. City Hall: 912-756-3345.19
Garden City
Garden City's tree protection article (Chapter 90, Article VIII) requires a tree removal permit to remove any tree from any property.20,7
- Fee waiver for DIY homeowners: on actively residential or residentially zoned property, there is no fee when the owner removes trees without paying a contractor, for up to 3 trees per calendar year.7 Hiring a company means the standard fee applies. The amount is set in the City's fee schedule.21
- Specimen trees (hardwoods 27"+, softwoods 30"+, small trees 8"+, plus condition criteria) always require a permit.7
- Penalty: removing a tree larger than 8" without a permit carries a fine of three times the permit fee.7
- Pruning doesn't need a permit. Removing diseased or infested trees is exempt on the written finding of a certified arborist, the extension service or the Georgia Forestry Commission.7
- Contractors doing tree removal must be licensed, bonded and insured.7
Thunderbolt
A copy of Thunderbolt's tree ordinance (Sec. 5-329), hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, says:8
- A permit is required for all tree removal on public property (no charge for residents).
- Permits are also required to remove or trim specimen trees, or hazard or nuisance trees, on private property.
- Tree contractors need a permit and insurance of at least $1,000,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage.
- Violations can bring fines of up to $500 per offense, with each day a separate offense.
This is not an official Town copy and may be out of date. The Town's Application for Tree Removal Permit is on its Inspections Department page. Call Town Hall at (912) 354-5533 before any work.22
Port Wentworth
Port Wentworth's 2023 Zoning Ordinance includes tree preservation standards (Article 10) that apply to non-residential and multi-family site development.9 We did not find a separate permit requirement for removing a tree from an existing single-family lot, but that doesn't mean none exists. Ask Development Services at (912) 999-2084 before removing a large tree.23
If a tree has already fallen
- Stay away from downed power lines. Call 911 or Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938.24
- Photograph the tree and all damage before cleanup, for insurance.
- Who pays: Georgia's consumer protection office explains that the owner of the property where a tree lands is generally responsible for damage and removal. The exception is when the tree's owner should reasonably have known it was dead or diseased.25
See our emergency guide.
Before you hire anyone
- Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote that says what's included: cutting, hauling, cleanup, stump grinding and who pulls any permit.
- Check insurance yourself. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) and call the insurer to confirm it's active. Garden City requires tree removal contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured,7 and Thunderbolt's ordinance sets minimum insurance for contractors.8
- Verify credentials. If someone says they're an ISA Certified Arborist, check the ISA credential lookup.26
- Get more than one quote for non-emergency work, and be cautious of anyone asking for full payment before work starts.
Ask the company who is responsible for any permit, and get the answer in writing.
Limits of this guide
Ordinances change. We reviewed the documents linked below on October 18, 2026. Where we relied on an unofficial copy (Thunderbolt) or couldn't confirm details (Savannah's current codified text, Garden City's fee amount, Richmond Hill's fee discrepancy, Port Wentworth's single-family rules), we've said so. This is general information, not legal advice. Your local planning office has the final word.
Need a tree removed in the Savannah area? We're a free referral service: tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent local tree company. We don't do tree work ourselves, and we can't guarantee a response. Phone: (843) 608-8793
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my yard in the City of Savannah?
Usually not, if the tree is on a lot with an existing single-family home or duplex. The City's ordinance exempts those lots until they're converted to non-residential or multi-family use. Trees on public property, such as street rights-of-way, need written City approval to trim, prune or remove.1 Confirm with the City before work starts.
What about Wilmington Island, Skidaway Island and other unincorporated Chatham County areas?
Chatham County's Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance exempts single-family lots recorded before it was enacted. Newer lots and clearing or grading may need County review.2
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on Tybee Island?
Yes. The City of Tybee Island requires a permit before removing a tree. Pruning and planting don't need one. Processing may take 7–10 business days.3,16
Does Richmond Hill require a tree removal permit?
Yes, for protected trees: any tree 16 inches DBH or larger. Apply at least 3 business days ahead. Permits are valid for 60 days.6
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Garden City?
Yes. Garden City requires a tree removal permit to remove any tree from any property. Homeowners removing trees themselves without a paid contractor pay no fee for up to 3 trees per year.7
Does Pooler require a tree removal permit?
Pooler has a tree removal permit, and gives special protection to trees 24 inches DBH and larger and to live oaks 18 inches and larger.4,5
Can a hazardous tree be removed without a permit in Savannah?
The City exempts trees an ISA Certified Arborist finds hazardous, but the written assessment must be approved by the City before removal.1
Is Coastal Tree Guide a tree service company?
No. We're a free referral service connecting homeowners with independent local tree companies. We don't perform tree work and aren't licensed or insured as a tree contractor. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
- Chatham County Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance, Sec. 24-204 (rev. 11-17-23, PDF). cdn.chathamcountyga.gov
- City of Tybee Island FAQ: tree removal permits. www.cityoftybee.org
- City of Pooler, Tree Removal Permit form (2024, PDF). www.pooler-ga.gov
- City of Pooler Code, Ch. 42 Art. VI, Sec. 42-198 significant trees (PDF). mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
- City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
- Garden City zoning code Ch. 90 Art. VIII, text copy (Zoneomics). www.zoneomics.com
- Town of Thunderbolt Code Sec. 5-329, tree ordinance (copy hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, PDF). www.savannahtree.org
- City of Port Wentworth 2023 Zoning Ordinance (PDF). portwentworthga.gov
- Chatham County Board of Assessors (property records). boa.chathamcountyga.gov
- SAGIS, Savannah Area Geographic Information System (maps and jurisdiction layers). www.sagis.org
- City of Savannah, Park and Tree (links the tree ordinance). www.savannahga.gov
- City of Savannah, Urban Forestry (311 and 24-hour dispatch for right-of-way trees). savannahga.gov
- City of Savannah, Tree Ordinance Administration. www.savannahga.gov
- Chatham County, How to report fallen trees and yard debris (Hurricane Helene guidance). www.chathamcountyga.gov
- City of Tybee Island, Tree Removal Permit Application (2026). www.cityoftybee.org
- City of Pooler ordinance amending Sec. 42-198 (Municode). library.municode.com
- City of Richmond Hill, Development and Review Fees, Article K (approved 4-1-2025). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
- City of Richmond Hill, Projects, Applications and Forms. www.richmondhill-ga.gov
- Garden City Code of Ordinances, Ch. 90 Art. VIII Tree Protection (Municode). library.municode.com
- Garden City, Fee Schedule. www.gardencity-ga.gov
- Town of Thunderbolt, Inspections Department: building permits and applications. www.thunderboltga.org
- City of Port Wentworth (department contacts). portwentworthga.gov
- Georgia Power, Power line safety. www.georgiapower.com
- Georgia Dept. of Law Consumer Protection Division, "Ask Ed": my neighbor's tree fell on my property. consumered.georgia.gov
- ISA (TreesAreGood.org), Verify an arborist credential. www.treesaregood.org