The Athens-Clarke County Tree Management Ordinance of 2005 established a classification of trees known as "Landmark Trees" (formerly "Heritage Trees"). The Community Tree Council will serve as partner with the Athens-Clarke County Landscape Management Division, administrators of the program. To be considered a landmark, a tree must be healthy and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Be at least 50 years old
- Be 36 inches in diameter (dbh) for a large canopy tree, 24 inches dbh, for a medium canopy tree and 12 inches dbh for a small canopy tree (all sizes as defined by the Athens-Clarke County Tree Species List)
- A National, State, or Clarke County Champion
- A unique or rare species
- Associated with a documented historical event, a person, or community landmark
- A tree planted for Arbor Day or other community-wide celebration
- A tree planted in honor or memory of an individual or event
- A member of a significant cross-property or neighborhood-wide planting that affect the greater landscape beyond the property on which they grow.
Only owners may nominate their tree for Landmark Tree status. An official record of the location and description of all designated Landmark Trees will be archived. Maintenance, and protection shall be done in accordance with the technical standards as set forth in the ACC Tree Management Ordinance.
- Landmark Trees will be placed on a special register of protected trees and receive a Certificate of Landmark Tree status.
- Landmark Trees will be mapped and placed on the Athens-Clarke County Geographic Information System to assist in their protection from changes in infrastructure, construction, and changes in property ownership.
- Landmark Trees designated on new development sites will be awarded 2 times the standard tree canopy cover credit for the species.
- Owners of Landmark Trees on residential property will be eligible to apply for special tree care grants given annually for tree pruning, vertical mulching, cabling and bracing, and other maintenance needs.
Be proud of your trees and nominate one or more now by filling out this application or emailing the County Forester for more information.
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