Atlanta’s unique tree canopy is under threat

Atlanta is the largest US city that still contains substantial old growth trees. However, Atlanta loses almost one-half acre of trees daily to development. A 2021 study found that Atlanta was the 5th worst US city in tree loss. Tree loss has increased every year since 2021 as confirmed by a 2025 Georgia Tech tree survey. 

On June 16, 2025, Atlanta’s City Council ignored four years of collaborative work on a new Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) that would balance limits on clearcutting with protection of developers’ need to cut trees for new homes when needed. Yet in response to last-minute pressure from developers’ lobbyists, the Council gutted those provisions to pass a new TPO that does not protect trees and allows developers to continue clear cutting.

The result: Atlanta, described as the City in the Forest, is losing its trees to developers who clear cut to make more profit, while depriving our city and our people of the trees we need.  Trees are superheroes, they cool our streets and neighborhoods. They block harmful radiation. They capture rain to alleviate stormwater runoff. They trap air pollution and diminish wind effects. Despite these benefits, Atlanta has ignored the problem of tree loss, even as it faces a crisis in air pollution, heat, and stormwater flooding. 

Atlanta is the 3rd worst US city in temperature rise. Heat is the #1 weather-related killer. In 2025 the American Lung Association gave Atlanta an “F” for ozone and a failing grade for particulate air pollution. Air pollution damages health in both children and adults. 

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