Heritage & Protected Trees: Dallas vs Irving
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Dallas, TX and Irving, TX?
Irving 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 →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Irving's tree preservation regulations protect large-caliper trees on development sites. Trees meeting the city's size threshold for significant or heritage designation receive additional protection during the development process. The Land Development Code specifies minimum trunk diameter for protected tree classifications. Heritage-size trees may require increased mitigation ratios if removal is approved.
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Heritage Designation | - | Based on trunk diameter threshold |
| Protection Level | - | Enhanced protection during development |
| Mitigation | - | Higher replacement ratio for heritage trees |
| Species | - | Applies to native and significant species |
| Development Review | - | Must be addressed 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.
Irving FAQ
What qualifies as a heritage tree in Irving?
Heritage trees are those meeting the city's minimum trunk diameter threshold for enhanced protection. The specific caliper size varies by species and is defined in the Land Development Code.
Can a heritage tree be removed for development?
Heritage trees may be removed only with city approval and typically require a higher mitigation ratio — more replacement trees or a larger tree fund contribution than standard protected trees.
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