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

Humble's municipal code does not impose a blanket permit requirement for removing trees on private residential property. Property owners may generally remove trees from their own lots without a city permit, though HOA covenants may impose separate restrictions. Trees located in public rights-of-way, parks, or city easements are city property and may not be removed, damaged, or trimmed without authorization from the Public Works department. Harris County Flood Control District regulations may apply to properties near bayous, drainage channels, and floodplain areas where vegetation provides bank stabilization and flood mitigation. Removing trees in these areas without proper review could trigger flood control violations. While Humble does not designate heritage or landmark trees, the city's land development regulations may require tree preservation or replacement as part of new subdivision development or commercial projects. Developers submitting site plans may need to include a tree survey and preservation plan. Individual residential homeowners performing routine tree removal on their own lots are not subject to these development-stage requirements. If a tree is dead, diseased, or poses an imminent hazard, removal is at the property owner's discretion and expense.