Routine trimming of trees on private property does not require a city permit under Fort Worth's urban forestry ordinance (Zoning Sec. 6.302) as long as the tree is not removed and protected post oak or blackjack oak species are not damaged. Trimming city street trees in the right-of-way requires coordination with the City Forester.
Sec. 6.302 (Urban Forestry) of the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance is focused on tree preservation during development. Property owners may prune their own trees for maintenance without a city permit, but removing or damaging protected species (47 species as of the April 2025 amendment, including post oak and blackjack oak with special protections) may trigger permit and replacement requirements. Trimming street trees located in the city right-of-way must be coordinated with the Park and Recreation Department's City Forester to follow ANSI A300 standards.
Routine homeowner trimming on private property has no penalty. Damaging or improperly removing a protected tree can trigger criminal fines up to $2,000 per tree and civil penalties up to $1,200 per diameter inch of canopy removed under the 2025 urban forestry amendments.
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