Houston, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Houston, 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
- Replacement ratio
- 1 caliper inch per inch removed
- Advance notice required
- 20 days before removal
- Max fine per tree
- $500
- Enforcing department
- Parks and Recreation
- Alternative to planting
- Pay into Sec. 33-123 tree fund
Summary
Remove a tree rooted in a Houston street or pedestrian realm and you must replant caliper inch-for-inch or pay into the city's tree fund.
no person shall cause a tree that is situated in whole or in substantial part within a street to be removed without complying with a tree replacement requirement, which may be satisfied as follows: (1) By the planting in the area adjacent to the street of additional trees from the street tree list on the basis of one caliper inch of tree planted for one caliper inch of tree removed; (2) By contributing to the fund created under section 33-123(a)(2) of this Code the fee stated for this provision in the city fee schedule per caliper inch of tree removed.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 33, Article VI covers any tree 20+ caliper inches (or 1.5+ inches if on the street tree list) situated in whole or substantial part within a street or the pedestrian realm. Removing one triggers a replacement requirement under Sec. 33-160: plant replacement trees at a 1-caliper-inch-for-1-caliper-inch ratio in the adjacent street area, or pay the per-caliper-inch fee into the section 33-123(a)(2) tree fund, or combine both. A written removal notice with a site map must be filed with the parks and recreation department at least 20 days before removal.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a covered street tree without filing notice or meeting replacement is a misdemeanor, fined up to $500 per section 1-6, with each tree a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to trees on my own private lot?
Can I just pay instead of replanting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle tree removal & heritage trees.