McKinney, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in McKinney, 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 code
- UDC Ch. 150, Article 4
- Protected (single-family)
- 27 inches DBH or greater
- Protected (commercial/multi-family)
- 6 inches DBH or greater
- Specimen tree
- 42 inches DBH or greater
- Enforcing agency
- Planning Dept / Director of Planning
Summary
McKinney regulates tree removal citywide under its Unified Development Code, Article 4. Critically altering a protected tree requires a Tree Permit from the Planning Department, and removed trees must be replaced by ratio or paid into the Tree Reforestation Fund.
All properties within the City of McKinney are subject to Tree Preservation, and all trees shall be preserved, protected, and mitigated according to the regulations of this Section. ... The critical alteration, removal, or disturbance of any tree is prohibited unless otherwise authorized in this Article. ... A sufficient number of canopy trees shall be planted to equal or exceed the protected trees, including specimen trees, that are critically altered, pursuant to Table 4-4, Tree Replacement Requirements ... 27 inches and greater 1:1 ... 17-41 inches 1:2 ... 42 inches and greater 1:2.
Full Breakdown
Under McKinney's Unified Development Code (Chapter 150), Article 4, critically altering, removing, or disturbing any tree is prohibited unless authorized by a Tree Permit (or a Development Permit for development projects). Table 4-1 sets protected trees measured at DBH: quality trees 6 inches or greater on non-residential and multi-family sites, 27 inches or greater on single-family lots, and specimen trees 42 inches or greater, which cannot be altered without the Director of Planning's approval. Replacement follows Table 4-4: single-family removals of 27-inch-plus trees replace 1:1; non-residential and multi-family removals replace 1:1 for 6-16 inches and 1:2 for 17 inches and greater, with 4-to-6-inch caliper replacements. Owners who cannot replant pay into the Tree Reforestation Fund.
Violations & Fines
A violation is critically altering a preserved or protected tree without authorization. Each tree is a separate occurrence, and every 1,200 square feet of canopy removed counts as one occurrence, each triggering a Reforestation Fund payment set in the Appendix A Schedule of Fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in McKinney?
How many trees must I replant if I remove a protected tree?
What if I cannot replant on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McKinney
Texas rules heatmap·Compare McKinney to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle tree removal & heritage trees.