Austin, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Austin, TX, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Protected tree threshold
- 19-inch diameter at 4.5 ft
- Heritage tree threshold
- 24-inch, 10 listed species
- Permit authority
- Planning & Development Review / arborist
- Heritage removal
- Barred without permit
- Storm-damage exception
- 7 days, imminent hazard
Summary
Austin requires a city permit to remove any protected tree measuring 19 inches or more in diameter, and 24-inch heritage oaks, pecans, elms and other listed species get stronger protection with removal barred absent approval.
(1) HERITAGE TREE means a tree that has a diameter of 24 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade, and is one of the following species: (a) Ash, Texas ... (g) All Oaks (h) Pecan (i) Walnut, Arizona (j) Walnut, Eastern Black ... (3) PROTECTED TREE means a tree with a diameter of 19 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade.
Full Breakdown
Under Land Development Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter B, no one may remove a protected tree (19-inch diameter, measured 4.5 feet above natural grade) without a permit from the Planning and Development Review Department, and the city arborist inspects each requested tree. Heritage trees, 24 inches or larger of ten listed species including all oaks, pecan, Texas ash, cedar elm, American elm and Arizona walnut, cannot be removed without a permit, with removal limited to dead, diseased, or hazardous specimens. Mitigation through tree replacement is required. A storm-damaged tree posing an imminent hazard may be cut within seven days without a permit.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected or heritage tree without a permit is a Land Development Code violation enforced by the City Arborist Program, exposing the owner to stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory replacement-tree mitigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree needs a removal permit in Austin?
Which trees are heritage trees in Austin?
Can I remove a storm-damaged protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Travis County handle tree removal & heritage trees.