Tree removal laws and permits in Texas

Select your city

Houston
San Antonio

Dallas
Austin

Houston ANCHOR

Tree removal permits in Houston TX

You may remove a tree in the city of Houston without a permit from the city provided it is not a protected tree.

Below are the definitions of protected trees.

Protected Trees

The ordinance protects certain trees from removal. The following list defines.

Protected tree types

Right-of-Way: trees along a public streets right-of-way
Corridor Tree: trees 20 inches or more in diameter in the building setback area
along a local street or major thoroughfare
Green Corridor: a portion of a major thoroughfare (at least one mile long)
designated by City Council with trees 15 inches or more in diameter
Designated Tree: trees designated by City Council that have particular historical
or arboricultural significance. These trees can be located anywhere in the city
Parkway Tree: a) a tree 15 inches or more in diameter within a Green Corridor;
or b) a tree 20 inches or more in diameter outside of a Green Corridor located
between a street curb and an adjacent property line

Removing Protected Trees

Individuals who want to remove a protected tree must complete the following steps:

1. File a written notice of intent to remove the tree.
2. Provide a site map showing the location of the proposed tree for removal and provide a plan showing where replacement trees will be planted. Submit both to the Planning Department 20 days prior to the tree’s removal.

City ordinance specifically preserves trees that are in the public right-of-way and requires that you get written permission from the Parks Department before removing particular species of trees that are 11/2 inches or more in diameter on the street tree list and 20-inch caliper for all other species.

To obtain a permit, you can call the Urban

Forestry Division at (713) 867-0378, and a City forester will be sent to evaluate your situation.

Violations can result in a $500 per day fine and prosecution.
Any property owner who unnecessarily destroys a protected tree can be fined $90 per diameter inch.

Violations of the Tree & Shrub Ordinance carry a potential fine of up
to $500 per day for each violation.

Tree preservation ordinance Houston TX

https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/DevelopRegs/docs_pdfs/tree_shrub.pdf

Tree removal permit application form Houston TX

https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/permits.html

Enter the location of your tree job

San-antonio ANCHOR

Tree removal permit & ordinance laws San Antonio TX

You will require a permit to remove a tree in San Antonio TX. The city arborist oversees all permissions for tree removal with the hope of retaining as much of the canopy cover as possible.

Below is a link to the application form. Once submitted and the fee is paid the city arborist will be out to view your tree and hear your case for removal.

Tree preservation ordinance San Antonio TX

https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Constructing/Tree

Tree removal permit application form Houston TX

https://docsonline.sanantonio.gov/FileUploads/DSD/TREE_PERMIT_APPLICATION_(2013).pdf

Dallas ANCHOR

Tree removal permits and ordinance in Dallas TX

You do not need a permit to remove trees from single family/duplex uses on properties under 2 acres.

If you are not on a single family/ duplex lot you can only remove a tree if it’s trunk is less than 8” diameter at breast height. Trees larger than this are protected.

There are some trees however, that are considered a local pest and are not protected. They are listed below.

The following list of trees are non-protected trees regardless of the size. You may remove them without a permit:

Chinese Tallow
Silver Maple
Siberian Elm
Arizona Ash
Black Willow
Hackberry
Chinaberry
Tree of Heaven
Horseapple (female/fruiting Bois d’arc)

Oak Cliff Municipal Center
320 E. Jefferson
Room 105
Dallas, Texas 75206
Phone: (214)-670-5111

Enter the location of your tree job

Austin ANCHOR

Tree removal laws and permits Austin TX

You are allowed to remove a tree without a permit as long as it is not a protected tree.

What size trees are protected? A protected size tree is determined by measuring the tree trunk at 4.5 feet above ground. This is commonly known as DBH (diameter at breast height). A tree within the Austin city limits is protected once it reaches 19 inches. Diameter = Circumference / 3.1416 and Circumference = Diameter X 3.1416.

If a protected tree is dead or is a hazard to persons or property you may remove a protected tree without a permit. It is advised you document the tree with photos just in case.

What is the review process for a tree removal permit?

When development of a residential property contains a protected size tree, the tree review will occur simultaneously with the residential building plan. The tree permit will be created along with the residential building permit.

When a protected tree is not development-related, but impacted by utility issues, disease or other conditions, a Tree Ordinance Review Application is required.