Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Fort Worth vs Grapevine
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Grapevine, TX?
Fort Worth and Grapevine have similar restriction levels.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Zoning Sec. 6.302 (Urban Forestry), as amended in April 2025, requires permits to remove protected trees during development and preserves 50% of post oak and blackjack oak canopy. Criminal fines for unlawful removal are $2,000 per tree, with civil penalties up to $1,200 per diameter inch of canopy lost.
View full Fort Worth rules →Grapevine, TX
Tarrant County
Grapevine's tree preservation ordinance requires permits and mitigation for removing protected trees over 8 inches in diameter. Dead or hazardous trees can be removed without permit after documentation.
View full Grapevine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Grapevine |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Fort Worth Zoning Sec. 6.302 | - |
| Protected Species | 47 (post oak and blackjack oak heightened) | - |
| DBH Threshold | 24 in (18 in for post/blackjack oak east of I-35W) | - |
| Criminal Fine | $2,000 per tree | - |
| Civil Penalty | Up to $1,200 per diameter inch | - |
| Protected Size | - | 8 inches DBH native hardwoods |
| Heritage Size | - | 24+ inches DBH typically |
| Mitigation | - | Replacement caliper inches |
| Hazardous | - | Remove with documentation |
| Site Plans | - | Tree survey required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my Fort Worth yard?
Removing a non-protected tree on an established single-family lot generally does not require a permit, but protected species such as large post oaks require a permit and replacement under Sec. 6.302.
How much is the fine for cutting down a protected tree?
Criminal fines are $2,000 per tree, plus civil penalties up to $1,200 per diameter inch of canopy removed, after the April 2025 urban forestry amendments.
Grapevine FAQ
Can I cut down a large oak in my backyard?
If it is protected (over 8 inches DBH native species) you need a tree removal permit with mitigation. Dead or hazardous trees can be removed with documentation and notice to Planning.
What is mitigation?
Replacement planting equal to the caliper inches of the removed tree. For example, removing a 10-inch tree may require planting multiple smaller trees totaling 10 caliper inches, or paying an in-lieu fee.
Do I need to remove a storm-damaged tree by permit?
No. Immediately hazardous trees can be removed right away. Document with photos and notify Planning after the fact. A certified arborist statement helps.
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