Heritage & Protected Trees: Dallas vs Garland
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Garland has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas protects significant trees through Article X of Development Code Chapter 51A. Protected trees include those meeting minimum caliper standards. The 2018 amendments to Article X strengthened tree conservation requirements, renaming the division to 'Urban Forest Conservation.' Tree protection during construction requires a tree protection plan under Sec. 51A-10.136 including site plans, tree protection zones, and utility routing. Conservation easements may be used for preservation credit.
View full Dallas rules →Garland, TX
Dallas County
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.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 51A, Art. X (Urban Forest Conservation) | - |
| 2018 Amendments | Strengthened conservation requirements | - |
| Construction Protection | Sec. 51A-10.136 (tree protection plan) | - |
| Plan Requirements | Site plan, protection zones, utility routing | - |
| Conservation Easements | Available for preservation credit | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
How does Dallas protect heritage trees?
Article X of the Development Code protects significant trees through permit requirements, construction protection plans, and replacement mandates. The 2018 amendments strengthened urban forest conservation.
What must a tree protection plan include?
Under Sec. 51A-10.136, plans must include a scaled site plan showing land disturbance, tree protection zones, proposed utilities, and staging areas to protect retained trees during construction.
Garland FAQ
What qualifies as a protected tree in Garland?
Trees meeting the Development Code's minimum trunk diameter threshold receive protection during development review. The specific caliper varies by species.
Can protected trees be removed?
Yes, with city approval and mitigation. Larger trees require higher replacement ratios or tree fund contributions.
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