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

Unlike larger Bexar County cities such as San Antonio which enforces a Tree Preservation Ordinance with size thresholds and mitigation fees, Live Oak has not adopted a comprehensive private-property tree protection ordinance for single-family residential lots. This means homeowners on most residential properties may remove trees on their own land without a city permit. Exceptions include: (1) trees located in the public right-of-way, which require Public Works coordination before removal; (2) commercial, multi-family, or new subdivision development, where the approved site plan or plat may dictate preserved trees and mitigation; (3) trees subject to private deed restrictions or HOA covenants. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 protects some drought-tolerant landscaping rights against HOA interference, but does not protect trees specifically. Removal of diseased oak wilt trees should follow Texas A&M Forest Service protocols, which call for immediate chipping or burying to prevent spore spread. Removing living red oaks during February through June can expose neighbors to oak wilt liability if spores are released.