5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Harris County has no tree removal permit requirement. Property owners may remove trees on their land without county approval. Only trees in public rights-of-way are protected. Deed restrictions in some subdivisions may restrict tree removal.
Harris County maintains a voluntary Tree Registry through the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council recognizing exceptional native trees. The registry provides no legal protection — it is purely honorary. No county heritage tree ordinance restricts removal on private property.
Harris County has no tree replacement ordinance for unincorporated areas. No mitigation is required when removing trees on private property. The county does not require replanting or payment into a tree fund. Deed restrictions may impose individual replacement requirements.
Texas counties have no general police power to designate or protect specific tree species on private property. Harris County does not list protected species. Houston, Bellaire, West University, and Sugar Land protect heritage and species-specific trees through their own urban forestry ordinances inside city limits.
Trees planted in unincorporated county road right-of-way require Harris County Engineering approval and must follow the AASHTO clear-zone standard, sight triangle rules, and approved species list. Inside Houston, parkway plantings need a Houston Public Works street tree permit through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
3 cities in Harris County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Harris County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Harris County Ordinance Hub →