why is it that i am not allowed to cut down all of the trees in my backyard i hate trees and i could use that space to

build a deck and an above ground pool
  22 answers
  • Hi there, What or who is preventing you from doing this? Is it an HOA perhaps? If so, they can more or less dictate what you can and can not do to the exterior of your home/yard.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 11, 2011
    Who says you can't cut down these trees?
  • Chrysanthevonne G Chrysanthevonne G on Jun 11, 2011
    thanks guys my boss was telling me that when i was telling him what i wanted to do with my backyard i have a half acre and i hate that have of the back yard is filled with these little trees everywhere
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Jun 11, 2011
    There are tree ordinances in several metro cities and counties which protect trees and make a nice environment for us all. Here's a link to tree removal rules for several places http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/tree-removal-rules-metro-atlanta/
  • No problem. If it's your home and your say in it, cut them down for your new deck. You might do some thinking ahead and decide which trees should remain to give your deck some good shade.
  • Chrysanthevonne G Chrysanthevonne G on Jun 11, 2011
    why is it that you need to ask for permission to cut down a tree on your own land i did ask for permission to buy this house and noone paid for this house but me and i did pay cash so i do have the deed i am doing it when i save up the money
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Jun 11, 2011
    Tree protection is part of the "greater good" theory of government. You are required to keep up your landscape and keep a presentable home because the greater good is that your neighborhood's value increases as a result of your work. Protecting the tree canopy is a greater good for your community. There are exceptions to any tree protection ordinance that allow homeowners to cut down trees within reason. Talk to the arborist for Atlanta/Fulton County.
  • Hector Hector on Jun 11, 2011
    there are certain laws in the Atlanta metro area in which you'd get fined heavily if you did. Luckily we live in an area where you don't get fined.
  • Robin Robin on Jun 12, 2011
    I live iin a fairly new development (10yrs) and have no trees with any substance.It is like living ina wind tunnel it has become a project after any amount of wind to see who needs help with what..shingles down siding off the house I lost a 23 ft awning..woodent steps into the houses are routinly blown over. the trees serve an important purpose. besides you breath their oxygen.
  • Chrysanthevonne G Chrysanthevonne G on Jun 12, 2011
    i@ walter i am not talking about very big trees i am talking about small trees just bigger than a bush the bigger trees are on the other side of the lot i need to put a pic up so you can see what i am talking about
  • Chrysanthevonne G Chrysanthevonne G on Jun 12, 2011
    these are the trees
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 12, 2011
    I would think these smaller "trees" may not "qualify" per the terms of the local regs...the best thing would be to simply give them a call...You may be getting worked up for nothing.
  • Chrysanthevonne G Chrysanthevonne G on Jun 12, 2011
    that is what i am going to do thanks
  • Robin Robin on Jun 13, 2011
    I think that before you go hacking and choping these "trees" down you should maybe find out what they are and then you will know if they are trees, over grown bushes, I see a pine in there...maybe there is a reason for them..maybe they need to be cut out but I would find out from someone that knows. This might be very helpful as to weather they live or die...
  • Look like brush to me. Sometimes it is a whole lot easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission....did I just say that?
  • Do you have water such as a creek on or near your property. Often there is a 20-30 foot buffer zone that you cannot invade to protect whatever wildlife and vegetation is left over from the developer clearing the property. Many times the buffer area is to keep the natural wooded look of the area and the purity of the water. Follow Robin's advice and find out the routine first. Most cities and counties impose hefty fines on homeowners that cut trees down without permission. I am so thankful that I called an arborist first. I discovered that I had great native plants such as Sourwood, Itea, Trillium, and more. I had to plant my own dogwoods though, native azaleas and rhodos. I hope you can come to the best solution for you and nature.
  • Pamela Pamela on Jun 15, 2011
    rethink cutting them dow,,, When I first moved here I thought 'cut them down and put in a pool' Lucky I didn't and I can sit out back as if in a forest and it's 20 to 30% lower then front yard that is full sun. Saves me big time on electric and A/C costs...
  • Pamela Pamela on Jun 15, 2011
    watch that 'beg forgiveness' idea as there is a man here in GA that is being fined 10K for trees that were cut down --- so may cost more then the deck to pay the fine...
  • Donna McCrummen Donna McCrummen on Sep 21, 2011
    not allow to cut your own trees? sounds like someone is stomping on your civil liberties.
  • Pamela F Pamela F on Oct 24, 2012
    I see you live in Atlanta, GA. I live in Hinesville, GA and cut down 21 trees total off of our small property. They were oaks and pines. The tree service company had not a problem doing so and the city didn't bother us either. However, he did say that they do not cut down ornamental trees. PS. Wish that I saved a few for the shade!
  • Kay Kay on Nov 09, 2012
    Or you could keep them for partial shade thats free, and it enhances the natural beuaty of any water feature you do put in!!!
  • Mary D Mary D on Nov 25, 2012
    Trees not only give valuable shade and coolness, but natural beauty and song birds. Why have a deck with no view? Nothing like having a cup of tea or coffee on a Sunday morning and enjoying bird songs.