Tree Protection in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Fort Worth regulates tree removal through the Urban Forestry Standards in the Zoning Ordinance (Article 6, Division 2). A tree removal permit is required for removing protected trees on developed lots. Protected trees include any tree with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH). The permit is obtained through Development Services. Removal of protected trees without a permit can result in fines and required replacement plantings. Emergency removal of hazardous trees may proceed without a permit with documentation.
Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Fort Worth's Urban Forestry Standards provide enhanced protection for heritage trees. Heritage trees are defined as healthy trees with a trunk diameter of 24 inches or more DBH (diameter at breast height). Heritage trees receive the highest level of protection and cannot be removed except in cases of imminent danger, disease, or when no reasonable development alternative exists. Mitigation requirements for heritage tree removal are significantly more stringent than for standard protected trees, including replacement at a higher caliper ratio.
Fort Worth Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Fort Worth requires replacement plantings when protected trees are removed during development. The Urban Forestry Standards specify replacement ratios based on the size and type of tree removed. Generally, replacement trees must total the caliper inches of the removed tree. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH) require replacement at a higher ratio. Replacement trees must be from the city's approved species list and be a minimum caliper size. If on-site replanting is not feasible, developers may pay into the city's tree mitigation fund.
Fort Worth Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Fort Worth's Tree Preservation regulations under the Unified Development Code (commonly cited as Title 17) protect heritage and historic trees including post oak, blackjack oak, bur oak, pecan, and bald cypress along the Trinity River corridor and in the Stockyards, with mitigation, replacement, and removal-permit rules.
Protected Species and Heritage Trees in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsLooking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Tree Protection in Tarrant County →