Members of the community have reached out to the Friends to share their concern about the number of trees being removed as part of ongoing construction. And we agree: it’s shocking to walk by the park and see how much has changed!
So, we double-checked our understanding of DeKalb County’s plan and wanted to share additional details.
In short: Only unhealthy or dangerous trees are being removed, and all of those removed trees will be replaced with new plantings:
We as a County department still must abide by the County’s tree ordinance and provide a replacement plan for the trees lost. We have a robust landscaping plan (attached) which will replace all the canopy trees that were lost and then some. We have already engaged Trees Atlanta to supplement this plan and plant more native canopy species.
DeKalb RPCA (September 24, 2025)
Reasons for tree removal
Though counter-intuitive, creek and forest restoration require loss of certain trees in order to preserve healthy growth; allow for new growth; and prevent the dangers posed by unhealthy trees whose limbs or trunks are likely to fall on their own.
Many of the removed trees were along the stream bank and had 20% or more of their root system exposed, leaving them unstable and unable to survive long-term. (In fact, we’ve seen multiple trees along the creek fall in recent years.) Other trees have been removed due to disease, damage from ivy, or a visible “lean” (risk of falling).
Removal of these specific trees was carefully planned, and only trees identified by DeKalb in an earlier assessment, or upon recent review of the grounds, are being removed by the crews currently working in the park.
Re-planting
As mentioned in the pull quote above, DeKalb County ordinance requires that any tree being removed also be replaced. And a key tenet of DeKalb’s plan for Needham Park (as stated on the landscape plan, available below) is:
SITE LANDSCAPE: NO NET LOSS OF TREES ON DEKALB COUNTY PROPERTY
In fact, the number of new trees planted will exceed that taken out. And the tree species to be planted are all locally native:
DeKalb is collaborating with Trees Atlanta for this re-planting effort. And if additional restoration, beyond current plans, seems warranted, then the Friends are at the ready to pursue grants for further improvement.
DeKalb’s Landscape Plan for Needham Park
More information
The Friends welcome your thoughts about Needham Park’s ongoing renovations and future state! Feel free to reach out to us on Facebook or via email.
You may also reach out to DeKalb RPCA directly, should you have any questions or concerns you would prefer to communicate directly. Our primary point of contact, who has agreed to share his contact information with the community, is:
Caleb Wittenmyer
Greenspace Manager, DeKalb RPCA
Email: ckwittenmyer@dekalbcountyga.gov
Phone: (404) 904-3028
We hope to hear from you soon!
Friends of Needham Park 