Katy, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Katy, 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
- Governing ordinance
- Article 1.13, Katy Code
- Scope
- Public property, rights-of-way only
- Construction guard
- 4 ft high, 8 ft square min
- Private-lot trees
- Not regulated by city
- Oversight
- Public works director
Summary
Katy's tree ordinance protects trees on public property and rights-of-way, not private lots. Article 1.13 requires protective guards around public trees during construction, controls their removal, mandates replacement, and bans intentionally cutting or clearing city-owned trees.
All trees on any street or other publicly owned property near any excavation or construction of any building, structure, or street work shall be guarded with a good substantial fence, frame, or box... The construction tree guard shall be not less than four (4) feet high and eight (8) feet square, or at a distance in feet from the tree trunk equal to the diameter of the trunk at breast height in inches, whichever is greater.
Full Breakdown
Article 1.13 governs trees and shrubs on streets, parks, easements, and other publicly owned land, placing them under the public works director. During nearby excavation or construction, each public tree must be shielded by a substantial fence, frame, or box at least four feet high and eight feet square, or wider, matching the trunk's diameter in inches, whichever is greater. The article controls unnecessary removal, requires replacement, and prohibits intentionally cutting or clearing city trees. Katy does not require a permit to remove trees on private residential lots; a broader development tree-preservation and mitigation ordinance has been proposed for the city.
Violations & Fines
Intentionally cutting, clearing, or damaging trees on public property violates Article 1.13; unauthorized removal triggers a replacement requirement and prosecution under the Code's general penalty in Katy municipal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to remove a tree in my Katy yard?
How are trees protected during construction in Katy?
Can I cut down a tree on a Katy street or in a park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Katy to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle tree removal & heritage trees.