Tree Protection in Harris County, TX (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Protected Tree Species

When work in a Harris County Flood Control District right-of-way removes a 'desirable' tree, the ROW user must replace it inch for inch with the same or a similar species. Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 sets this ratio separately from the county's specimen-tree caliper formula used in road right-of-way.

Harris County HCFCD Tree Replacement Ratio

Some Restrictions

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25

HCFCD may require a ROW user to provide Landscaping plans sealed by a Registered Landscape Architect licensed in the State of Texas detailing any vegetation management activities proposed with HCFCD ROW when the ROW User's work in the ROW will involve removal of trees. ... Tree Removal Provide a tree replacement plan for all desirable trees designated to be removed. Tree replacement will be inc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

New Harris County subdivisions must plant one or two caliper-inch trees per single-family lot, and builders may install them in the county right-of-way instead of the yard if a commissioner's designee signs off first.

Harris County Parkway Tree Planting Rules

Some Restrictions

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 42, Subch. 42A, Sec 13.06

Every lot greater than 5,000 square feet in size shall require that a minimum of two 1.5 inch minimum caliper trees are planted in the front yard. Every lot smaller or equal to 5,000 square feet in size shall require a minimum of one 1.5 inch caliper tree be planted in the front yard... The required trees may be placed in the County right-of-way to fulfill this requirement provided the followin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Protection by City in Harris County

2 cities in Harris County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

HoustonPop. 2,304,580

3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

BaytownPop. 83,701

1 verified rule • Parkway Planting

All Harris County ordinances

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