Texas

🤠 Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Texas

Updated 2025 · Covers private residential property within Texas city limits and unincorporated areas

Quick Answer

Texas has no statewide tree ordinance for private property. Rules are set entirely at the city level — and they vary dramatically. Austin has among the strictest heritage tree regulations in the U.S., while Houston has virtually no citywide tree ordinance.

City-by-City Rules in Texas

City / Area	Permit Rules
Austin (heritage trees)	Very strict — 19"+ DBH heritage trees require permits, arborist report, and mitigation fees up to $500/heritage inch
Dallas	Permit required for trees 6"+ DBH; arborist review for large trees
San Antonio	Permit for trees 8"+ DBH; $50–$100 fee; 5–7 day turnaround
Plano	Permit for trees 8"+ DBH; $50/tree; 5–7 days
Fort Worth	Permit for trees 8"+ DBH; standard application process
Frisco	Permit for trees 6"+ DBH — more restrictive than Plano
Houston	No citywide tree ordinance — check deed restrictions and HOA rules
Arlington	Tree removal outside construction projects generally not regulated

General Guidance for Texas Homeowners

Because Texas has no statewide private-property tree removal law (or state-level rules that vary by city), the only way to be certain about your specific address is to contact your city's Development Services, Building Department, or Urban Forestry office directly. Provide your address and a description of the tree(s) you'd like to remove — most offices can answer in a single call.

How to Find Your City's Tree Removal Rules

Use our Permit Checker — covers major Texas cities with specific threshold and fee data. Try it now →
Call your city's Development Services — describe your address and tree. Most offices can confirm permit requirements in one call.
Search your city's ordinance — "[your city] tree ordinance" or "[your city] urban forestry code" will typically surface the relevant regulations.

Common Exemptions That Apply Statewide

Trees below each city's size threshold (diameter at breast height)
Confirmed dead trees (simplified process in most cities)
Emergency removal of imminent hazard trees (notify city within 24–72 hours)
Trees on actively farmed agricultural land (check county rules)

Frequently Asked Questions — Texas

No — Texas has no statewide private-property tree removal permit requirement (with the exception of specific protected species like saguaro in Arizona, which is governed by state law). All permit requirements are set at the city, county, or municipal level. This means the rules differ significantly between cities — sometimes between neighboring cities with different ordinances.

In cities with active tree ordinances, unpermitted removal of a protected tree can result in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per tree, plus mandatory replacement planting requirements. The violation can follow the property deed through real estate transactions. See our violation and fines guide for detailed information.

Disclaimer: Tree removal permit requirements change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local permit office before removing any tree. This is not legal advice.