Dallas's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Dallas, Texas, there are 3 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.

Parkway Planting

Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.125 lets homeowners and shared-access developments count trees planted in the parkway, the strip of street right-of-way between the curb and the front lot line, toward the required landscaping trees on a lot. Parkway trees must still meet species, caliper, and utility-line spacing standards, and planting in the right-of-way needs the city's private licensing approval.

Key details: Lots 7,500 sq ft or more: 3 required trees, 2 in front yard. Minimum caliper: 2 inches. Utility line spacing: 20 feet on center minimum. Parkway defined (shared access): Curb to front lot line. Late planting penalty: $200 per day (Sec. 51A-10.127).

Sec. 51A-10.127 requires all required landscaping, including qualifying parkway trees, to be installed before a building's final inspection, or within six months under a documented completion agreement approved by the building official. Missing that six-month deadline triggers a civil penalty of $200 a day under Sec. 51A-10.127(c), collected by the city attorney, until the required trees are properly planted.

Protected Tree Species

Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.101(48) protects any tree species with an eight-inch or greater trunk diameter that isn't on the code's unprotected list, plus any tree in a delineated forest stand canopy and any replacement tree. A shorter list of extra-large, mature species, including post oaks and elms, gets stricter 'significant tree' status with a higher replacement ratio.

Key details: Minimum protected diameter: 8 inches trunk diameter. Significant post oak threshold: 12-inch diameter minimum. Significant hardwood threshold: 24-inch diameter minimum. Class 3 mitigation ratio: 0.4:1 replacement caliper. Significant tree mitigation ratio: 1.5:1 replacement caliper.

Removing or seriously injuring a protected tree without an approved tree removal application or building permit is a separate offense for each tree under Sec. 51A-10.132(d), enforceable by a stop-work order from the building official and a criminal fine under Sec. 51A-10.139 of not less than $2,000 per tree, plus mitigation planting or a Reforestation Fund payment sized to the tree's class.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.133 lets an owner ask city council to designate a tree as historic; once approved by resolution, the tree keeps that status for life and can only be cut down with a separate council authorization. The designation is filed in the county deed records, permanently tying the protection to the land.

Key details: Designation process: Owner petition plus city council resolution. Protection duration: Life of the tree. Removal authority: City council vote only. Mitigation ratio: 3:1 replacement caliper inches. Minimum fine: $2,000 per tree (Sec. 51A-10.139).

Removing or seriously injuring a historic tree without city council authorization is a criminal offense under Sec. 51A-10.140, and Sec. 51A-10.139 sets a fine of not less than $2,000 per tree, with a separate offense for each tree and a minimum $2,000-per-day fine for continuing violations. The building official can also order a stop-work notice and require 3-to-1 mitigation planting or a Reforestation Fund payment on top of any fine.

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

The Bottom Line

Dallas's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Dallas is broadly strict or permissive.

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.