San Antonio's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

San Antonio maintains 193 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Antonio falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Protected Tree Species

San Antonio Unified Development Code Section 35-523 protects significant trees six inches DBH and larger and heritage trees 24 inches and larger, with elevated mitigation multipliers for native live oak, post oak, bald cypress, and pecan. It is among the strongest tree-preservation ordinances in Texas.

Key details: Significant tree: Six inches DBH. Heritage tree: 24 inches DBH and larger. Code section: UDC Section 35-523. High-multiplier species: Live oak, bald cypress, pecan. Daily fine cap: Up to $2,000.

Unpermitted removal carries fines up to $2,000 per day plus species-specific mitigation owed to the Tree Mitigation Fund. Removing a heritage tree without board-of-adjustment approval triggers stop-work orders, permit denials, and possible Class C misdemeanor citations.

Compared to other cities, San Antonio takes a harder line on protected tree species. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal Permits

Tree removal permits are required under UDC § 35-477 before any activity that may result in the removal of significant or heritage trees. The City Arborist reviews applications within 30 days. A pre-construction conference with the arborist is mandatory before permitted work begins. The tree preservation ordinance applies to all private property within city limits and the ETJ. First adopted in 1997, the ordinance has been amended multiple times through 2015.

Key details: Code Section: UDC § 35-477 (Tree Permits). Review Time: City Arborist reviews within 30 days. Pre-Construction: Conference with City Arborist mandatory. Applicability: All private property in city limits and ETJ. History: First adopted 1997; amended through 2015.

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

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

Heritage & Protected Trees

Heritage trees in San Antonio are defined as any tree measuring 24 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) under UDC § 35-523. Heritage trees must be preserved at 100% — removal is only permitted with mitigation approved by the Tree Preservation Commission. Multi-trunk trees are measured with the largest trunk at full DBH plus 50% of the remaining trunks. Fees for heritage tree removal are in UDC Appendix C (§ 35-C110).

Key details: Code Section: UDC § 35-523; § 35-C110 (Fees). Definition: 24+ inches DBH. Protection: 100% preservation required. Multi-Trunk: Largest trunk + 50% of additional trunks. Mitigation: Cash to tree fund or replacement plantings.

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, San Antonio takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Ordinances

San Antonio has a comprehensive Tree Preservation Ordinance under UDC Section 35-523. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or more are considered significant and are protected during development. Heritage trees (24 inches DBH or greater, or certain species at 10 inches DBH) receive the highest level of protection and generally cannot be removed.

Key details: Significant Tree: 8 inches DBH or greater. Heritage Tree: 24 inches DBH or greater (10 inches for select species). Governing Code: UDC Section 35-523. Heritage Tree Fine: Up to $100,000 per tree (civil penalty).

Removing a heritage tree without authorization is a Class C misdemeanor with fines of up to $500 per tree per day. Additional civil penalties for heritage tree violations can reach $100,000 per tree. Significant tree violations carry fines of up to $500 per tree and require replacement planting at specified ratios.

Compared to other cities, San Antonio takes a harder line on tree ordinances. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Replacement Requirements

When protected trees are removed beyond the minimum 35% preservation requirement in San Antonio, the excess removal must be properly mitigated under UDC § 35-523. The Tree Preservation Commission may recommend replacement plantings, a cash payment to the city's tree mitigation fund for future public plantings, or denial of the application. All oak tree cuts must be painted within 30 minutes, and pruning of oaks should be minimized February 1 through July 1 due to oak wilt risk.

Key details: Code Section: UDC § 35-523. Minimum Retention: 35% of protected trees and canopy. Mitigation Options: Replacement plantings or cash to tree fund. Oak Wilt: Cuts painted within 30 min; minimize pruning Feb–Jul. Commission: Tree Preservation Commission approves mitigation.

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

Compared to other cities, San Antonio takes a harder line on tree replacement requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

San Antonio is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio 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.