Atlanta, GA, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta has gained recognition as the third-best city for tree conservation enthusiasts in Lawn Love’s recent report. The city earned high scores in tree canopy, urban tree infrastructure, and climate measures, reflecting its commitment to preserving green spaces. The Atlanta City Council has also updated the Tree Protection Ordinance to strengthen penalties for illegal tree removal, bolstering its efforts to maintain the urban tree canopy amid environmental challenges.
Atlanta Ranks Third in Lawn Love’s Top Cities for Tree Huggers; City Council Approves Tree Protection Ordinance Update
Atlanta has been named the third-best city for tree enthusiasts by Lawn Love in its 2025 Top Cities for Tree Huggers report. The designation highlights Atlanta’s significant tree canopy and environmental initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing the city’s green spaces.
The rankings were determined based on three primary metrics: tree canopy rank, urban tree infrastructure rank, and climate rank. Atlanta received an overall score of 57.42, ranking 18th for tree canopy, 21st for urban tree infrastructure, and an impressive 5th for climate measures, placing it behind only Columbus, Georgia, and Nashville.
Prominent Georgia Rankings
In addition to Atlanta’s high placement, several other Georgia cities also made the list. Athens secured the 5th position, followed by South Fulton at 9th, Roswell at 10th, Sandy Springs at 13th, Augusta at 23rd, Macon at 33rd, Johns Creek at 38th, and Savannah at 41st. This trend underscores a statewide commitment to tree conservation and urban greening.
Conservation Initiatives
The Lawn Love write-up commended Atlanta for its robust nonprofit organizations, such as Trees Atlanta, and its ambitious conservation efforts, including the One Million Trees Initiative. Additionally, the city is home to nature-filled attractions like the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum, which covers 85 acres and features 369 species of trees and shrubs, as well as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, notable for the Storza Woods and Conifer Garden.
New Tree Protection Ordinance
In a significant move to enhance its environmental policies, the Atlanta City Council has unanimously approved a comprehensive update to the city’s Tree Protection Ordinance, which had not been revised since 2001. This update introduces stricter penalties for illegal tree removal, with costs for removal increased to up to $140 per diameter inch of a tree’s trunk and doubling fines for violations to reach $200,000 per acre.
The updated ordinance reflects the city’s goal to maintain a 50% tree canopy, although current estimates indicate a decline to around 46.5%. Advocates have participated in over 30 meetings to contribute to the revisions, indicating a collaborative effort between city officials, environmentalists, and developers.
Funding for Low-Income Seniors and Ongoing Discussions
Furthermore, $400,000 from the city’s tree trust fund will be allocated to assist low-income seniors with tree trimming or removal. However, the ordinance has drawn criticism for potentially complicating affordable housing developments, as the current regulations allow developers to remove trees under specific conditions, raising concerns about clear-cutting practices.
As Atlanta copes with increased heat waves exacerbated by climate change, the need for more extensive tree cover has become critical. The new measures are expected to align urban greening initiatives with the city’s housing and economic development strategies. These increased fees will take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new chapter in Atlanta’s efforts to protect its green spaces.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s recognition as a leading city for tree conservation reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. The recent updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance are a pivotal step toward safeguarding the city’s rich tree canopy, addressing concerns about climate change, and promoting a healthier urban environment for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lawn Love’s ranking of Atlanta for tree conservation?
Atlanta has been ranked third in Lawn Love’s 2025 Top Cities for Tree Huggers, following Columbus, Georgia, and Nashville.
What are the key features of the updated Tree Protection Ordinance?
The updated ordinance includes increased removal costs of up to $140 per diameter inch of a tree’s trunk, doubling fines for illegal tree removal to $200,000 per acre, and a goal to maintain a 50% tree canopy.
What initiatives have been praised for improving Atlanta’s tree cover?
Atlanta is recognized for its nonprofit organizations like Trees Atlanta, as well as initiatives such as the One Million Trees Initiative, which aim to enhance tree conservation and urban greening efforts.
Atlanta Tree Conservation Rankings Overview
| City Rank | City | Tree Canopy Rank | Urban Tree Infrastructure Rank | Climate Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus, GA | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | Nashville, TN | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | Atlanta, GA | 18 | 21 | 5 |
| 5 | Athens, GA | 13 | 15 | 4 |
| 9 | South Fulton, GA | 17 | 19 | 7 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta City Council Enacts New Tree Protection Ordinance
Family-Friendly Day Trips from Atlanta to Beat the Summer Heat
Atlanta’s Weekend Lineup of Events
Georgia Legalizes Human Composting for Sustainable Burial
Additional Resources
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Tree Conservation
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Tree Protection Ordinances
- AJC
- Google Scholar: Urban Tree Canopy
- Axios
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Sustainability
- Atlanta News First
- Google News: Atlanta Tree Protection
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
