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

Section 10.03.009(e) of the Sherman Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to remove or critically alter a tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit where the section requires one. Critically altering a tree means uprooting it, removing the canopy, severing the main trunk, or causing damage that can kill it, including machinery damage, material storage, soil compaction over the roots, a grade change above the root system, or excessive pruning. Subsection (e)(3) requires the permit for any tree on a parcel greater than five acres within the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction.

No permit is needed in these cases: a tree on an existing platted lot used for a one- or two-family residence; a tree that endangers public health, welfare or safety where a certified arborist documents the diameter, species and reason; a tree that has disrupted public utility service due to a tornado, storm, flood or other force of nature; routine utility maintenance; routine maintenance of a tree on city-owned property; a dead tree documented by a certified arborist, unless it was required under a landscape plan or as a replacement tree; trees at a plant or tree nursery or orchard grown for sale; and underbrush removal with hand tools, not including grubbing under drip lines.

The application and submittal fees go to the development services department and must meet the tree removal application checklist maintained by the director of development services. The city manager or designee issues the permit if it complies with the code, and the permit expires six months after issuance. A tree survey by a certified arborist, registered landscape architect or registered professional land surveyor accompanies the permit, or an applicant can use a sworn no-protected-trees affidavit or no-disturbance preservation areas of a minimum of 20 percent of the land.

For protected trees of 12 caliper inches or larger, replacement follows Table 10.2 and the 100 caliper inches per acre cap. Replacement trees must be planted within 90 days of permit issuance, with a delay of up to six months available, and a fee-in-lieu payment into the city tree fund is required before the permit issues when replacement is not possible. An applicant facing undue hardship can appeal to the city council for alternative compliance under subsection (j).