Lubbock, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Lubbock, 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 section
- Code Sec. 16.02.008
- Overhang clearance
- Six (6) feet above street
- Enforcing agency
- Parks and Recreation Dept.
- Non-compliance
- Declared public nuisance, city abates
- Cost recovery
- Assessed against property owner
Summary
Lubbock requires every property owner to prune tree branches overhanging a street, curb, or sidewalk to a six-foot clearance and to remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees. Non-compliant vegetation is declared a public nuisance the city can abate at the owner's cost.
(a) Every owner of any tree overhanging any street, roadway, or parkway within the city shall prune the branches so that there shall be a clear space of six (6) feet above the surface of the adjacent street, curb or sidewalk... said owners shall remove all dead or diseased trees, trees which constitute a threat to the safety of the public... (b) Any tree, shrub, bush or other woody vegetation in violation of the above provision is hereby declared a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 16.02.008, owners must prune branches overhanging any street, roadway, or parkway to a clear space of six feet above the pavement, curb, or sidewalk, and must keep sight lines to intersections, streetlamps, and traffic-control devices unobstructed. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees, and any tree injurious to sewer, power, gas, water, or stormwater drainage lines, must be removed. Violations are declared a public nuisance; the Parks and Recreation Department issues written notice under Chapter 14, and if the owner fails to comply the city may enter the property, prune or remove the vegetation, and assess the cost against the owner. The city may remove imminent threats to public safety without notice.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant trees are declared a public nuisance. After written notice under Chapter 14, the city may prune or remove the vegetation and assess the cost against the property owner; imminent threats are removed without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must I trim branches over a Lubbock street?
What happens if I ignore a hazardous tree on my Lubbock property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
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