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Fall Tree Removal Permit Rules by City (2026)

When Do You Need Permission to Cut a Tree?

1 locations1 moderate

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Compare tree removal permit requirements across cities. Find diameter thresholds, fees, replacement requirements, and penalties for unauthorized removal.

The table below breaks down the rules across 1 states and 1 cities and counties. Every entry is based on the actual municipal code for that location, not a guess or a generic template. Click any location to see the full ordinance details, including fines, exceptions, and local FAQs.

Rules by State

Each state is colored by the most common local rule. Click a state to see the cities and counties we cover there.

StateLocationsStrictModeratePermissiveOverall
Texas1-1-Some Restrictions

All 1 Locations

Every city and county below has verified ordinance data for this topic. Click any location for the full breakdown including fines, exceptions, and local FAQs.

Harris County, TXSome Restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions come from the most common things people ask about this topic across different cities.

Does every tree removal in Harris County need this plan?
No. The removal and replacement plan under Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 applies only to specimen trees of 12 inches caliper or larger standing inside a Harris County road or HCFCD right-of-way that permitted construction work will affect, not to trees on private property generally.
How many replacement trees are required?
Enough three-inch caliper or larger trees to add up to the same total caliper diameter as the tree removed, so a 24-inch specimen tree could require eight three-inch replacements planted at a location the County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director designates.
Can the tree be saved instead of removed?
The rule directs ROW Users to use auger or tunnel construction methods under a selected specimen tree wherever practicable to avoid removal, and specimen trees smaller than 12 inches caliper are transplanted elsewhere within the county's right-of-way instead of being cleared outright.
Who prepares the removal and replacement plan?
A Landscape Professional, defined by the ordinance as an urban forester, a Texas-licensed registered landscape architect, or a certified arborist, prepares the plan whenever the ROW User's work requires one. The plan is submitted with the construction drawings for County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director review before work begins.

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