Fort Worth, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 33 of the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances gives the department of park and recreation jurisdiction, authority, control and supervision over trees, plants and shrubs planted or growing on public highways and public places citywide, including their planting, removal, care, maintenance and protection under § 33-1. Section 33-2 goes further: the department may plant, preserve, spray, trim, cable or remove any tree, shrub or plant on any city street, alley, avenue, land, lane, public ground or square, and if a tree is unsafe, injurious to the common good, damaging to sewer pipes or pavement, or diseased and dangerous to other trees, the department can order it removed or sprayed.

That reach extends onto private property too: if the city forester determines a private tree or shrub is infectious and liable to spread disease, or dangerous to the public, the department may enter the property to spray, remove, or otherwise treat it. Anyone else who wants to plant, prune, remove, paint or spray a tree, plant or shrub on a public highway or public place must first get a permit from the city forester under § 33-6, and where more than one tree is involved on a street, park and recreation requires a form detailing the applicant's plans.

Attaching a cable, wire, rope or sign to a public tree without a permit is separately prohibited under § 33-5. Trees growing between the sidewalk and the curb are declared city property under § 33-7, controlled by the department of park and recreation.