Garland's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Garland, Texas, there are 4 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.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Garland's Development Code provides enhanced protection for large-caliper trees on development sites. Trees meeting the protected size threshold require additional mitigation if removed. The North Texas region supports significant native species including pecans, live oaks, and bur oaks that are valued in the development review process.

Key details: Protection: Based on trunk diameter threshold. Development: Enhanced protection during review. Mitigation: Higher replacement ratio for large trees. Species: Pecans, live oaks, bur oaks valued. Survey: Must be included in tree survey.

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

Tree Removal Permits

Garland has tree preservation requirements in the Development Code for development sites. Protected trees on development sites require approval before removal and mitigation. Individual homeowners removing trees on private residential lots generally do not need a permit unless in required landscape areas or protected zones.

Key details: Development Sites: Tree survey and preservation required. Protected Trees: Approval for removal during development. Residential Lots: Generally no permit for private trees. Mitigation: Replacement or tree fund payment. Required Landscape: Trees in required areas need approval.

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

Tree Replacement Requirements

Garland requires tree replacement when protected trees are removed during development. The Development Code specifies replacement ratios based on tree size. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements and be from approved species suited to North Texas conditions.

Key details: Trigger: Removal of protected trees during development. Ratio: Based on size of removed tree. Minimum Caliper: Replacement trees must meet standards. Species: North Texas adapted species required. Tree Fund: Alternative when on-site planting not feasible.

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

Tree Ordinances

Garland's tree preservation ordinance protects mature and protected-species trees on development sites, requiring permits to remove and mitigation through replanting or fees.

Key details: Tree Protection: Trees 6 inches DBH or larger generally protected on development sites. Heritage Trees: Heritage species (live oak, pecan) get extra protection. Tree Survey: Tree survey required for new construction. Mitigation: Inch-for-inch replacement or mitigation fee required. Residential Yard: Single-family residential yards have broader removal rights.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/garland) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The Bottom Line

Garland'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 Garland is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Garland 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.