This claim circulates as a “weird law” urban legend without basis in Georgia statutes, unlike Arizona’s strict saguaro protections. No state law classifies cactus removal as a felony for private landowners.​
Property Rules
Georgia regulates protected wildflowers and trees, but common cacti (non-native or ornamental) face no specific bans on private yards. Local ordinances, HOAs, or endangered species rules may apply, requiring permits for natives like certain prickly pears.​
Legal Exceptions
Protected plants under OCGA § 12-6-173 prohibit removal without permission, but cacti rarely qualify unless rare or state-listed. Check county zoning for landscaping restrictions before removal.
SOURCES
[1](https://ga2a.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ABG_Brief_in_Support_of_Motion_for_Summary_Judgment_and_Exhibits.pdf)
[2](https://law.justia.com/cases/georgia/court-of-appeals/2022/a21a1479.html)
[3](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-12/chapter-6/article-3/section-12-6-173/)
[4](https://www.nationalplantboard.org/uploads/1/3/6/7/136771235/georgiasummary.pdf)
[5](https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/geo196014ENG.pdf)
