Tree Protection in Brownsville, TX (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Brownsville, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
A Tree Removal Permit is required for any non-exempt tree removed in connection with new development or redevelopment inside Brownsville's city limits or ETJ. Protected Trees go to the Planning Director and Heritage Trees to the City Commission.
Permit tied to development, not everyday yard work
Some RestrictionsBrownsville Unified Development Code § 5.1.7.A (Tree Removal Permit and Tree Preservation Plan)
A Tree Removal Permit is required for the removal of any tree not explicitly exempted within 5.1.2 Applicability and Exemptions above.
Heritage & Protected Trees
A tree of 24 caliper inches or greater is a Heritage Tree. UDC 5.1.2.A applies tree preservation to new development and redevelopment, not everyday yard work. Where it applies, removal needs City Commission approval and 3:1 caliper inch mitigation.
Trees 24 inches and up need Commission approval
Heavy RestrictionsBrownsville Unified Development Code § 5.1.3.B (Categories of Preserved Trees)
Heritage Tree. 1. Trees of twenty-four (24) caliper inches or greater not otherwise exempted are designated as "Heritage Trees". 2. A Heritage Tree may only be removed upon approval of a Tree Removal Permit by the City Commission.
Tree Replacement Requirements
Removed trees must be replaced on the same site: one caliper inch for each inch of Protected Tree and three caliper inches for each inch of Heritage Tree. Every replacement tree must be at least three caliper inches.
Replace caliper inch for inch, three-to-one for heritage
Some RestrictionsBrownsville Unified Development Code § 5.1.4.A (Tree Mitigation)
Protected Tree. Protected Trees shall be mitigated at a one-to-one (1:1) caliper inch ratio at the time of planting for every tree removed. Replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of three (3) inches.
Looking for Cameron County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brownsville city rules.
Tree Protection in Cameron County →