Tree removal permit rules in Harris County, TX — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Harris County has no tree removal ordinance for private property in unincorporated areas. Property owners may remove trees freely. Only public right-of-way trees require county approval. Deed restrictions may impose separate tree preservation requirements.
Unincorporated Harris County does not regulate tree removal on private residential property. No permit, replacement planting, or mitigation is required by the county. This contrasts with the City of Houston, which has a Tree and Shrub Ordinance for development within city limits. Harris County's Office of the County Engineer requires approval for removing trees in county-maintained rights-of-way. Subdivision deed restrictions frequently include tree preservation clauses requiring HOA approval before removing trees over a certain diameter. Texas Property Code protects property owners' rights to manage vegetation on their land.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how Harris County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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