ACC Community Tree Council - Landmark Tree Program

Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Community Tree Council!

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.

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.

The Athens-Clarke County's Landmark Tree program was established by ordinance in June of 2005 when the comprehensive Community Tree Management Ordinance was adopted. Be proud of your trees and nominate one or more now by emailing us.

We will post more info on existing Landmark Trees in spring 2008.