Fort Worth's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Fort Worth, Texas, there are 2 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

In Fort Worth, trees growing in the parkway between the sidewalk and curb are city property under Chapter 33, and it is unlawful to plant, prune, remove, paint or spray any tree, plant or shrub on a public street or public place without a permit from the city forester. The Park and Recreation Department supervises all street trees under City Code §§ 33-1 through 33-7.

Key details: Permit authority: City Forester, Park and Recreation Department. Governing law: Fort Worth City Code §§ 33-1 to 33-7. Parkway tree ownership: City property between sidewalk and curb (§ 33-7). Multiple trees: Written planting form required (§ 33-6(b)). Arterial subdivisions: 3-inch caliper min., 1 tree per 50 ft (§ 31-103).

Chapter 33 carries no dedicated fine, so violations default to City Code § 1-6: unpermitted planting, pruning, removal or damage of a public or parkway tree is punishable by a fine of up to $500, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. The Park and Recreation Department and city forester can also order removal, spraying or trimming without owner consent when a tree is unsafe or diseased under § 33-2.

Protected Tree Species

Fort Worth requires a permit from the urban forestry administrator before removing a Table B protected tree once it reaches 24 inches in diameter, or 18 inches for post oak and blackjack oak, under Zoning Ordinance Section 6.302(g)(5). Removal is allowed only through one of four listed mitigation paths.

Key details: Significant-tree threshold: 24 inches diameter (18 for post/blackjack oak). Permit issuer: Urban forestry administrator. Preservation credit: 1.5x actual canopy size. Replacement option: 5:1 canopy planting from Table B. Mitigation fee option: Payment into tree fund, Sec. 2-322.

Illegal removal is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000, with removal of each protected tree a separate offense and every continuing day a separate offense. A civil penalty under City Code Section 2-322 may be stacked on top, suspending all permits on the property until paid, and is appealable to the city council within ten calendar days.

The Bottom Line

Fort Worth'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 Fort Worth is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Fort Worth's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.