Land Clearing in Georgia

City of Atlanta: a permit is required to remove, destroy or injure any tree 6 inches or greater in diameter at breast height on private property, with no exceptions for species or condition. Dead trees need a permit too. Permits are issued through the Office of Buildings' Arborist Division, and removals usually require replacement trees or recompense. Outside Atlanta, rules vary by city and county. Many don't regulate removal on existing single-family lots, but check before cutting.

Loblolly pine: dominant pine; southern pine beetle and wind risk Water oak and laurel oak: short-lived, decay-prone as they age Willow oak and white oak: long-lived shade trees in older neighborhoods

Winter: Best time for removals and pruning of most hardwoods Spring: Severe thunderstorms; pine beetle activity rises with heat

Loblolly pines left from forest clearing lean, snap or uproot in wind; bark beetles kill drought-stressed pines.

Compaction and root cutting during building often cause decline years later.

Common in older neighborhoods; prone to internal decay and limb failure.