Tree Protection in Richardson, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Richardson or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Richardson has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Richardson designates trees of 24+ caliper inches as specimen trees under Ch. 22.5. Removal of specimen trees requires 2:1 caliper inch replacement ratio. Unauthorized removal carries a $2,000 per tree per day penalty.

Key details: Definition: 24+ caliper inches. Replacement Ratio: 2:1 caliper inch. Penalty: $2,000 per tree per day. Exemption: Unprotected (invasive) species.

Unauthorized removal of specimen trees carries penalties of $2,000 per tree per day plus required 2:1 replacement mitigation.

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

Tree Replacement Requirements

Richardson's tree ordinance (Ch. 22.5) requires 1:1 caliper inch replacement for protected trees and 2:1 for specimen trees. Monetary mitigation may be available. Unprotected (invasive) species are exempt from replacement requirements.

Key details: Protected Ratio: 1:1 caliper inch. Specimen Ratio: 2:1 caliper inch. Monetary Mitigation: Available when site can't support planting. Invasive Species: Exempt from replacement.

Failure to fulfill replacement mitigation after permitted removal may result in penalties and additional requirements.

Tree Removal Permits

Richardson's tree ordinance (Ch. 22.5) requires permits for removing protected trees (6+ caliper inches) on non-single-family residential property. Applications are processed by Development Services with Parks Department consultation.

Key details: Permit Required: Protected trees on non-SFR property. Protected Size: 6+ caliper inches. Processing: Development Services + Parks. Penalty: $2,000 per tree per day.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees carries a penalty of $2,000 per tree per day. Replacement mitigation is required.

Tree Ordinances

Richardson requires tree preservation on non-single-family development sites through its tree preservation ordinance, mandating a tree survey, preservation plan, and mitigation for protected trees removed. Single-family residential lots are largely exempt from removal permits.

Key details: Measurement: 8 inches. Tree survey and: Tree survey and preservation plan required with site plan. Mitigation via replanting: Mitigation via replanting or tree fund contribution. Single-family lots generally: Single-family lots generally exempt from removal permit. Right-of-way trees need: Right-of-way trees need Parks Department approval.

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

The Bottom Line

Richardson'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 Richardson is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Richardson 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.