Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Fort Worth vs Keller
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Keller, TX?
Keller has fewer restrictions than Fort Worth.
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 →Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller has an active tree preservation ordinance regulating removal of protected trees on development sites. Routine removal on built residential lots generally needs no permit. Mitigation may apply.
View full Keller rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Keller |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Fact | - | Keller has an active tree preservation ordinance for protected species |
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.
Keller FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my Keller backyard?
Routine removal of smaller non-protected trees on built residential lots generally does not require a permit. Mature native oaks and pecans may be protected and require an application.
What happens if I remove a protected tree without permission?
Illegal removal can result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory replacement planting at larger caliper than standard mitigation would require.
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