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Brownsville, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Brownsville, 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 ratio
1:1 caliper inches
Heritage tree ratio
3:1 caliper inches
Minimum replacement size
Three-inch caliper
Planting location
Same site as development
Fee in lieu
Tree cost plus installation

Summary

Removed trees must be replaced on the same site: one caliper inch for each inch of Protected Tree and three caliper inches for each inch of Heritage Tree. Every replacement tree must be at least three caliper inches.

Protected Tree. Protected Trees shall be mitigated at a one-to-one (1:1) caliper inch ratio at the time of planting for every tree removed. Replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of three (3) inches.

Source: Brownsville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 5.1.4 sets mitigation at a 1:1 caliper inch ratio for Protected Trees and 3:1 for Heritage Trees, with a three-inch minimum caliper on replacements. Mitigation plantings sit on the same site as the development, count in addition to the landscaping required by Section 4.6.3, and follow current Texas Forest Service standards. Where on-site planting will not work, an applicant may donate the trees to public parks, schools, or other approved public facilities, or pay a fee in lieu equal to the cost of the replacement trees plus installation, verified by a written nursery estimate. Preserved trees earn credit: a Protected Tree counts as three required landscape trees and a Heritage Tree as eight.

Violations & Fines

Skipping required mitigation is a UDC violation subject to notice and abatement. Removal without a permit costs $75 per caliper inch for Protected Trees and $100 per caliper inch for Heritage Trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I pay a fee instead of planting replacement trees?
Only where the site is heavily treed and existing canopy would stop replacement growth, or where required replacements would be planted under an existing tree's canopy.
Do mitigation trees satisfy my landscaping requirement?
No. Mitigation plantings are in addition to landscaping required by Section 4.6.3. Preserving an existing tree earns credit instead: three trees for a Protected Tree, eight for a Heritage Tree.
Can I plant Red Oak as a replacement tree?
Not within a half mile of a documented arbor disease center per the Texas Forest Service. Section 5.1.9 prohibits Red Oak as a mitigation or landscape tree there.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brownsville

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Bin Placement RulesLight Restrictions

All Brownsville rules

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