Are you unsure what you can trim, plant, or remove around your curb in Marietta? You are not alone. Between city rules, county roads, state routes, and utility lines, the details can feel confusing when you just want a safe, clean yard. In this guide, you will learn how local tree rules typically work, how to check sight lines at corners, when you can DIY, when to bring in a certified arborist, and who to call before you make changes. Let’s dive in.
Who regulates trees
Understanding who controls the area around your street keeps you compliant and safe.
- City of Marietta. The city typically regulates trees within public rights-of-way inside city limits, handles permits for removal when required, and enforces visibility rules near intersections. Look for the City Arborist, Public Works, or Code Enforcement for guidance.
- Cobb County. For unincorporated areas and county-owned roads, county public works rules apply. If your home is within Marietta city limits, city rules generally take priority over county rules.
- Georgia Department of Transportation. State routes that pass through Marietta fall under GDOT. GDOT sets vegetation clearance and sight-distance standards along state-maintained roads.
- Utilities. Power and telecom companies have easements and their own safety clearances. They are authorized to prune or remove vegetation that threatens lines or equipment.
- HOAs. Your neighborhood association may have stricter landscape standards than the city. HOA rules are private and enforced by the HOA.
ROW vs private property
A big factor is whether a tree sits in the public right-of-way or on private property.
- Public right-of-way. This usually includes the strip between curb and property line, sidewalks, and sometimes planting strips or medians. Trees located fully in the ROW are usually the city’s responsibility. Many cities still require adjacent owners to keep sidewalks passable and low branches trimmed.
- Private property. You are typically responsible for trees on your land, including general maintenance and removal. Some cities require permits to remove larger or protected trees, even on private property.
- Shared or boundary trees. If a trunk sits on a property line, responsibility may be shared. Speak with your neighbor and check local rules before acting.
When in doubt, ask the City of Marietta Public Works or the City Arborist to help you confirm who owns the tree and what rules apply.
Keep sight lines clear
Clear visibility at corners and driveways is a safety requirement in most places. Cities use a sight triangle at intersections to keep views open for drivers and pedestrians. While the exact triangle size and allowed vegetation height can vary, the common idea is simple: within that triangle, low vegetation must stay short, and tall objects must be set back so drivers and pedestrians can see each other.
Practical steps for your corner or driveway:
- Stand where a driver’s eye would be and look along the approaching roadway. If hedges, shrubs, or low limbs block your view of oncoming traffic, trim them.
- Keep landscaping low and open near corners. Many jurisdictions limit vegetation in a sight triangle to about knee height, though exact height and distances vary.
- If the obstruction is in the public right-of-way, call the City of Marietta Public Works or Code Enforcement to report it before you act.
DIY or hire an arborist
Use this framework to choose the right approach.
DIY is often fine when:
- You are pruning small shrubs or doing light shaping, away from power lines and streets.
- You are removing small, dead twigs or storm debris that you can handle safely from the ground.
- You are raising low branches by hand to keep sidewalks passable. Many places suggest 8 to 10 feet of sidewalk clearance and 12 to 14 feet over local streets as typical guidance. Confirm what applies locally before you trim.
Call a certified arborist when:
- A tree is large, has a trunk over roughly 6 to 12 inches in diameter, or shows decay, cracks, large dead limbs, or root issues.
- The work involves climbing, rigging, or cutting limbs over structures, streets, or fences.
- A tree is near power lines, or you are unsure about easements and safety clearances.
- The tree is in the right-of-way or may be a protected tree that could need a permit or replacement planting.
What to look for in a pro:
- ISA Certified Arborist credential.
- Proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
- Written scope of work and estimate, including cleanup and stump handling.
- Familiarity with local permitting, ANSI A300 pruning standards, and city expectations.
Questions to ask:
- Are you ISA certified, and can you share proof of insurance?
- Do you handle permit applications in Marietta or Cobb County?
- How will you protect nearby roots, sidewalks, and lawn areas?
- What is the plan for rigging or crane work if removal is required, and what is the timeline?
Permits and penalties
Cities often require a permit to remove larger or protected trees, and some require replacements or a fee if removal is approved. Permit triggers often include tree size, species, location, and construction-related impacts. Unauthorized removal or damage to protected trees can lead to fines and mandatory replacement.
Because thresholds and fees vary by jurisdiction, contact the City of Marietta for exact rules, application steps, and timing. If your street is county-owned or a state route, check with Cobb County or GDOT.
Your compliance checklist
Use this quick checklist before you plant, prune, or remove:
- Identify location. Is the tree on private land, in the public right-of-way, or in a utility easement?
- Confirm jurisdiction. If in the ROW inside city limits, call City of Marietta. For county roads, call Cobb County Public Works. For state routes, contact GDOT.
- Check for utilities. If work is near power lines, contact the utility first. Do not prune near energized lines yourself.
- Assess risk. If the tree is large, diseased, or near structures, get a certified arborist’s assessment.
- Get approvals. Obtain any required permits before removing or significantly pruning.
- Keep records. Save photos, permits, arborist reports, invoices, and city correspondence.
- Replant if required. If removal is approved with conditions, follow replacement or mitigation directions.
Stay safe near utilities
Power lines change the rules. Do not prune or remove trees near power lines yourself. Utilities can and will trim within their easements to keep people safe and service reliable. If a limb is on a line, or you see a broken branch hanging near a line, contact the utility. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services and the utility right away.
Smart planting tips
If you are adding trees near sidewalks or streets, plan for success:
- Choose species suited to urban sites, including root systems that play nicely with sidewalks and driveways.
- Mind setbacks from curbs, sidewalks, and utilities. Many cities have specific spacing rules, so check before you plant.
- Think long term. Plant away from corners where sight triangles apply, and allow room for mature height and spread.
- Protect roots during any nearby construction by limiting excavation and compaction inside the tree’s protection zone.
Storm cleanup and insurance
After storms, focus on safety first. Keep people away from damaged trees with hanging or split limbs. Photograph damage for your insurance carrier and call a certified arborist for hazardous removals. If a public tree is down or leaning in the street, call the City of Marietta Public Works. If a tree on private property damages your home, contact your insurer and a qualified contractor promptly.
State routes and GDOT
If your home fronts a state-maintained road, different vegetation rules may apply. GDOT manages clearance and sight-distance along these corridors. Before you plant, remove, or significantly prune near a state route, check requirements with GDOT to avoid fines and to keep intersections safe.
How this helps sellers and buyers
Clean, compliant landscaping supports safety, curb appeal, and resale value. If you are preparing to sell, trimming for clear sidewalks and open sight lines helps your home show better and reduces risk during showings. If you are buying, understanding ROW boundaries, power easements, and potential permit requirements helps you plan improvements and budget responsibly.
If you want help coordinating vetted arborists or planning cost‑effective curb appeal updates, our team can connect you with trusted local pros as part of our vendor network.
Ready to talk through a tree or curb appeal plan for your next move? Reach out to the Barnes Young Team to get started.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on private property in Marietta?
- Many cities require permits for larger or protected trees; contact the City of Marietta to confirm size thresholds, species rules, and any replacement requirements.
Who maintains the strip between the sidewalk and the curb in Marietta?
- That strip is often public right-of-way; the city typically manages ROW trees while owners are expected to keep sidewalks passable and report hazards to Public Works.
How tall can shrubs be near intersections in Marietta and Cobb County?
- Most places use a sight triangle that limits vegetation height within a defined area; check local rules for exact distances and allowed heights before you plant or prune.
What should I do if a tree is near power lines by my home?
- Do not prune it yourself; contact the utility for line clearance and call emergency services plus the utility if there is an immediate hazard.
How do I know if my street is a state route in Marietta?
- Look for numbered state highways; if your frontage is on a state route, coordinate vegetation work with GDOT rather than the city.
What counts as a protected tree in Marietta?
- Protected status often depends on trunk size, species, and location; confirm the City of Marietta’s definitions and permit triggers before removing or heavily pruning.
