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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Pflugerville, 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

Protected size
8 inches DBH or larger
Permit
Site disturbance/development permit required
Heritage tree
25+ inches, replace 3:1
Fee in-lieu
$150 per diameter inch
Exempt
Existing single-family/duplex lots (valid CO)

Summary

In Pflugerville, any tree at least 8 inches in diameter is protected and cannot be removed until the City approves a subdivision, site disturbance, or site development permit. Removal triggers replacement mitigation, and heritage trees 25 inches and up carry a 3-to-1 replanting ratio.

Trees of all species that are at least eight (8) inches in diameter are protected, except for Chinaberry, Hackberry, Ashe Juniper (Cedar), Chinese Tallow, Willow, Ligustrum, Mimosa, Cottonwood, Huisache and other exceptions provided in Subchapter 12 of the Unified Development Code (UDC)... Class 2 Tree with DBH 8 - 17.99 inches... 1:1 ... Class 5 "Heritage Tree" - Tree with DBH 25 inches or more... 3:1

Full Breakdown

Pflugerville's Unified Development Code (Subchapter 12) protects every tree 8 inches DBH or larger, excluding species like Hackberry, Ashe Juniper (Cedar), Chinese Tallow, and Cottonwood. Before a protected tree comes down, the Planning Department must approve a subdivision construction plan, site disturbance permit, or site development permit. Removed inches must be replaced: Class 2 (8-17.99 in.) at 1:1, Class 3 (18-24.99 in.) at 2:1, Class 4 (25+ in.) at 2.5:1, and heritage trees at 3:1. Unmet replacement inches convert to a Tree Fund fee of $150 per diameter inch. Existing single-family and duplex lots with a valid certificate of occupancy are exempt.

Violations & Fines

Removing a protected 8-inch-or-larger tree without an approved site disturbance or development permit exposes the owner to withheld plan approval, mandated replacement plantings, and fee-in-lieu payments of $150 per unmitigated diameter inch to the City Tree Fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which trees are protected in Pflugerville?
Any tree at least 8 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground, except listed species like Hackberry, Ashe Juniper (Cedar), Chinese Tallow, Willow, Ligustrum, Mimosa, and Cottonwood.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?
Existing single-family and duplex lots with a valid certificate of occupancy are exempt. Otherwise, removing a protected tree requires an approved site disturbance or development permit from the Planning Department.
What happens to protected trees that are removed?
Removed diameter inches must be replaced by replanting at ratios from 1:1 up to 3:1 for heritage trees, or paid as $150 per unmet inch into the City Tree Fund.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pflugerville

All Pflugerville rules

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