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New documentary highlights Atlanta’s alarming rate of tree loss
By Logan C. Ritchie at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods)
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
A documentary about Atlanta ’s tree canopy has caught the attention of lawmakers in Brookhaven, a metro Atlanta city that takes great measures to protect the environment through law and conservation.
“The Tree Economy,” a film by James Schroeder, explores how urban planning has sped up the loss...
Key takeaway According to the USDA, even with 24 million acres of forest land, Georgia is losing more trees per year than any other state in the country.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The documentary's focus on Atlanta's tree loss has significant implications for the city's long-term sustainability and quality of life. As the city continues to grow and develop, the pressure to balance urban planning with environmental conservation will only intensify. Brookhaven's strict tree ordinance, which has been in place since 2014, serves as a model for other metro Atlanta cities to follow. The city's efforts to preserve its tree canopy, including the creation of an indigenous tree nursery and the employment of full-time arborists, demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the effects of urbanization. However, the fact that Georgia is losing more trees per year than any other state in the country suggests that a more comprehensive, regional approach to tree conservation is needed. As lawmakers and residents continue to grapple with the issue of tree loss, it will be important to monitor the effectiveness of Brookhaven's strategies and consider how they can be scaled up to benefit the entire Atlanta area.
About this story
Original reporting by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A documentary about Atlanta’s tree canopy has caught the attention of lawmakers in Brookhaven, a metro Atlanta city that takes great measures to protect the environment through law and conservation.
“The Tree Economy,” a film by James Schroeder, explores how urban planning has sped up the loss...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Logan C. Ritchie at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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