Thinking about taking down a tree on your Madison property? Before you call a crew, it helps to know who controls what and when permits apply. A little prep can save you time, money, and headaches. In this guide, you’ll learn when a City Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required, how right-of-way and utility rules work, and the safest order of steps to follow. Let’s dive in.

Madison rules at a glance

• Historic district properties: If your home is inside the Madison Historic District, exterior and site changes often require a COA before permits are issued. Start with the City’s Design Review page for process and contacts: Madison Design Review.
• Street trees and rights-of-way: Trees in the public right-of-way are typically City-managed. For questions about street trees, see Madison’s Greenspace programs: Greenspace and ROW programs.
• Utilities and power lines: If a tree is near overhead lines, contact the utility first. Georgia Power outlines vegetation safety and removal policies here: Georgia Power vegetation management FAQs.
• Disputes and damages: Cutting trees without legal right can carry significant civil liability under Georgia law. Review OCGA §51‑12‑50: Georgia timber conversion statute.

Step-by-step before you cut

Confirm location and rules

• Check if your property sits inside the Madison Historic District. If yes, tree removal or major landscape changes may need a COA. Start here: Design Review and COA overview.
• If your tree is in the public right-of-way or appears to be a street tree, contact the City. Public trees are City-managed.

If the tree is near power lines

• Do not trim or remove trees near energized lines yourself. Contact the utility for guidance or service. See Georgia Power’s safety FAQs. In emergencies, call 911 and the utility.

Call 811 before any digging

• Stump grinding, root trenching, and even planting can hit buried lines. Contact Georgia 811 to locate utilities before you dig: Georgia 811 information.

Hire the right professional

• For large or hazardous trees, ask a certified arborist or reputable tree contractor for an assessment and proof of insurance. Utilities and cities recommend professional crews for safety near structures and lines.

Historic district: COA basics

If your home is in the Madison Historic District, exterior work that changes the site or landscape commonly triggers COA review. The City’s process requires an application, support materials, and attendance at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Building permits are typically not issued until the COA is approved.

• Review the City’s guidance and contact details: Madison Design Review.
• See the COA application for deadlines and submittal requirements, including the 15‑day filing window before a regular HPC meeting: COA application PDF.
• For ordinance language, refer to the Madison Code of Ordinances, Chapter 42, Historic Preservation: Municode Chapter 42.

Right-of-way and street trees

If the tree is within the public right-of-way, it is generally under City jurisdiction. Do not remove or alter street trees without City approval. Madison’s Greenspace and rights‑of‑way programs provide helpful context and contacts: Greenspace and ROW programs.

Neighbor trees and property lines

In general, you may trim branches or roots that cross onto your property up to the property line, but you must avoid trespassing and should not harm the overall health of the tree. If trimming could injure or kill the tree, you may be liable. When in doubt, consult an arborist and document communications with your neighbor. For plain‑English background on trimming rights, see this consumer legal overview: Everyday law guide to neighbor trees. For wrongful cutting disputes, Georgia law outlines damages: OCGA §51‑12‑50.

Hazards and emergencies

Dead, diseased, or storm‑damaged trees can be urgent. Document the condition with photos and contact a certified arborist. If lines are involved, call the utility first and 911 for downed lines. The City’s COA materials outline the standard process and note administrative paths for certain circumstances; start with the COA application and City staff for guidance.

Madison homeowner checklist

• Verify if your property is in the Madison Historic District. If yes, plan for a COA before permits or major landscape work. See Design Review.
• If the tree is in the right-of-way, contact the City. See Greenspace and ROW programs.
• If lines are nearby, contact the utility first. See Georgia Power FAQs.
• Call Georgia 811 before stump work, trenching, or planting.
• Hire an insured, qualified arborist for large or risky removals.
• For disputes or alleged wrongful cutting, review OCGA §51‑12‑50 and seek legal counsel as needed.

When you are planning maintenance or preparing a home for market, the right plan keeps you compliant and safe while protecting your property value. If you would like local guidance or trusted vendor introductions in Madison and around Lake Oconee, reach out to Jennifer Vaughan for concierge support.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my Madison property?

• If you are inside the Madison Historic District, exterior and site changes often require a COA before permits are issued; start with the City’s Design Review page. For trees in the public right-of-way, contact the City.

How do I know if my tree is in a public right-of-way in Madison?

• Street trees and trees located between the curb and sidewalk or on other City property are generally City-managed; contact Madison’s Greenspace and right‑of‑way programs for guidance: program overview.

What should I do if a tree is dead or an immediate danger in Madison?

• Document the hazard, contact a certified arborist, and if lines are involved call the utility or 911 for downed lines. The City can advise on process and any expedited or administrative paths; see the COA application.

Can I trim branches from my neighbor’s tree that hang over my yard in Georgia?

• You may trim encroaching branches up to the property line without trespassing, but you should avoid harming the tree and keep removed material on the owner’s side; see this consumer law guide. For disputes, review OCGA §51‑12‑50 and consult an attorney.

Who handles trees near power lines in Madison, GA?

• Utilities manage vegetation around their lines for safety and reliability. Contact the utility before any work near lines and see Georgia Power’s vegetation management FAQs for policies and safety steps.