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

Under City Code § 155.07(A), no person may "cut down, destroy, remove or move, or effectively destroy through damaging, any tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit," and the application must go on a city-issued form; permits can be issued once the city verifies the tree is damaged or diseased. A protected tree is defined in § 155.03 as a listed species with a diameter of 4 inches or greater at 4.5 feet above ground (for multi-trunk trees, the largest trunk's diameter plus half the diameter of each additional trunk).

Removing an unprotected tree still requires a permit under § 155.07(F)(7), though it will be approved. The permit application must be filed alongside a related development permit, plat application, new-construction permit, or zoning case (§ 155.07(B)), and must include a site plan with site boundaries, structure locations, and a survey of every tree's location, species and DBH (§ 155.07(C)). The City Manager or designee reviews and approves applications (§ 155.07(D)); an approved permit expires within 12 months if the associated plat or permit is not approved (§ 155.07(G)).

Removing a protected tree also triggers replacement/mitigation duties under § 155.08, which the enforcement section (§ 155.12(C)) confirms are owed even where a violation occurred. Chapter 155 applies to vacant land, redevelopment sites, public rights-of-way, parks, and common areas of residential or business developments (§ 155.04), but exempts single-family, duplex and single-family attached lots after their initial development and final inspection (§ 155.05(A)).