Dallas's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Dallas, Texas, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Protected Tree Species

Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A Article X (Tree Preservation) protects all trees eight inches or larger DBH on non-single-family lots and assigns species-specific replacement-tree multipliers, with higher multipliers for native oaks, pecans, and bald cypress.

Key details: Protection threshold: Eight inches DBH. Code section: Ch. 51A Article X. High-multiplier species: Native oaks, pecan, bald cypress. Single-family exemption: Generally exempt. Daily fine cap: Up to $2,000.

Unpermitted removal carries fines up to $2,000 per day under Chapter 51A-10.140 plus species-specific mitigation paid into the Reforestation Fund. Repeat offenders face stop-work orders and permit denials.

This is one of the stricter rules in Dallas's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parkway Planting

Dallas Park and Recreation Department under City Code Chapter 32A and Chapter 43 manages parkway tree planting in the strip between curb and sidewalk. Residents must obtain a no-fee Park Board permit and follow approved species and clearance standards.

Key details: Permit issuer: Dallas Park and Recreation. Permit fee: No fee. Free tree program: Branch Out Dallas twice yearly. Preferred species: Cedar elm, Texas red oak. Right-of-way authority: City Code Ch. 43.

Unpermitted parkway planting or removal violates Chapter 43 right-of-way rules with fines up to $500 per occurrence, plus restoration costs. Damaging a parkway tree during construction triggers tree-replacement valuation under Article X and possible Park Board civil penalties.

Tree Removal Permits

Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Article X, Division 51A-10.130 requires a tree removal application before removing protected trees. The provision applies to all property in the city except lots under 2 acres with single-family or duplex uses. Protected trees include those meeting minimum caliper and species requirements. Unauthorized removal triggers mitigation requirements under Sec. 51A-10.137. The building official can issue stop-work orders for violations.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 51A, Art. X, Div. 51A-10.130. Exemption: Single-family/duplex lots under 2 acres. Application Required: Before removing any protected tree. Mitigation: Required for unauthorized removal (Sec. 51A-10.137). Enforcement: Stop-work orders by building official.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree depending on size and species. Replacement planting required at 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.

Compared to other cities, Dallas takes a harder line on tree removal permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Dallas protects significant trees through Article X of Development Code Chapter 51A. Protected trees include those meeting minimum caliper standards. The 2018 amendments to Article X strengthened tree conservation requirements, renaming the division to 'Urban Forest Conservation.' Tree protection during construction requires a tree protection plan under Sec. 51A-10.136 including site plans, tree protection zones, and utility routing. Conservation easements may be used for preservation credit.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 51A, Art. X (Urban Forest Conservation). 2018 Amendments: Strengthened conservation requirements. Construction Protection: Sec. 51A-10.136 (tree protection plan). Plan Requirements: Site plan, protection zones, utility routing. Conservation Easements: Available for preservation credit.

Unauthorized removal of heritage tree: $2,000 to $25,000. Damage during construction: $1,000 to $10,000 plus remediation costs.

Compared to other cities, Dallas takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Article X requires replacement of removed protected trees per a tree replacement schedule. Sec. 51A-10.135 provides alternative compliance methods when replacement trees cannot be planted on-site, including conservation easements, sustainable development incentives, and habitat preservation credits. Large or medium trees maintained in the development impact area may count toward design option requirements and site tree credit under the landscaping division.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 51A, Art. X, Sec. 51A-10.135. Replacement Required: Per tree replacement schedule. On-Site Priority: On-site replacement preferred. Alternative Methods: Conservation easements, habitat credits. Site Tree Credit: Retained trees can offset requirements.

Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: lien on property.

This is one of the stricter rules in Dallas's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Ordinances

Dallas has a comprehensive Tree Preservation Ordinance (Article X, Chapter 51A) that protects trees during development. Protected trees are those 6 inches in diameter or greater measured at 4.5 feet above ground. Removal requires a permit and mitigation through replacement planting or payment into the Tree Reforestation Fund. The ordinance also regulates tree damage during construction activities.

Key details: Protected Tree Size: 6 inches caliper or greater. Governing Code: Article X, Chapter 51A. Residential Exemption: Up to 2 trees per 12 months (permit still needed). Fine Range: $500 to $2,000 per tree.

Removing a protected tree without a permit is a misdemeanor offense with fines of $500 to $2,000 per tree. Damage to protected trees during construction can result in fines equal to the appraised value of the tree. Repeat violations may result in higher penalties and injunctive action by the city.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Dallas actively enforces its tree ordinances requirements.

The Bottom Line

Dallas is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Dallas, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Dallas can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.