Tree removal permit rules in The Woodlands, TX — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Residents may remove trees on private property in unincorporated Montgomery County without a permit. The Woodlands requires RDRC approval for trees over 6 inches DBH. Conroe regulates trees only in subdivision and commercial contexts.
Texas counties, including Montgomery, cannot regulate tree removal on private property per Local Government Code Ch. 232. Residents in unincorporated areas (most of Porter, parts of Willis and Magnolia) may remove any tree without permit. Conroe Code Ch. 98 requires tree preservation plans only during platting and commercial site development; single-family homeowners removing trees on existing lots need no permit. The Woodlands Township, though technically unincorporated, operates under deed restrictions administered by the Community Associations — the RDRC requires written approval for removal of any living tree 6 inches DBH or larger. TX HB 1572 enables mitigation credits statewide. TX HB 2127 (2023) preempts many municipal tree ordinances for private residential property.
Unincorporated county: no penalties. Conroe subdivision plan violations: $200 to $2,000/day. Woodlands RDRC unauthorized removal: $500 to $2,500 per tree, replacement required, potential lien.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how The Woodlands's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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