Mission, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Mission, 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
- Trigger
- Building-permit landscape plan
- Rule
- Replace with equivalent tree caliper
- Approval authority
- Planning director
- Preservation credit
- 1 tree preserved = 2 credited
- Applies to
- Multi-family & nonresidential development
Summary
Mission requires equivalent-caliper replacement when a preserved shade tree is approved for removal under the city's landscaping regulations.
(1) The landscape plan must identify the location of all existing shade or ornamental trees with a caliper equal to or greater than six inches, reflecting which are to be preserved and which will be removed. ... (3) If the planning director approves the removal of an existing shade or ornamental tree, the landscape plan shall provide for the replacement of equivalent tree calipers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Under Mission's landscaping code, a landscape plan for new construction must map every existing shade or ornamental tree six inches or larger in caliper and mark which will be preserved versus removed. The planning director can approve removing a tree the development can't reasonably work around, but once removal is approved the landscape plan must replace it with equivalent tree caliper. Owners who preserve an existing shade tree instead get credit toward two of the trees otherwise required to be planted. These rules attach to landscaping plans triggered by a building permit for multi-family or nonresidential development, not routine single-family removals.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant landscape plans are not approved, which blocks issuance of a certificate of occupancy or business license for the affected premises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a homeowner removing a backyard tree?
What must replace a removed shade tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mission
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mission to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.