Houston's Tree and Shrub Ordinance (Chapter 33, Article V) protects certain trees and sets minimum planting requirements for development. Trees in the public right-of-way are protected. Dead trees must be removed or face $200 to $2,000 fines.
Chapter 33, Article V (Tree and Shrub Ordinance) establishes standards for planting trees and shrubs and installing landscape buffers. The ordinance protects trees in the public right-of-way, requiring written permission from the Parks Department before removing particular species 1.5 inches or more in diameter on the street tree list and 20-inch caliper for all other species. Violations of protected tree removal can result in a $500 per day fine and a $90 per diameter inch fine for unnecessary destruction. No construction activity is permitted within the dripline of protected trees without complying with Chapter 16 of the Infrastructure Design Manual. Dead trees must be removed and properly disposed of to avoid fines of $200 to $2,000. The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council promotes oak wilt prevention by discouraging pruning oaks between February and June.
Protected tree removal: $500 per day fine plus $90 per diameter inch. Dead trees not removed: $200 to $2,000. Construction in dripline: violation of Chapter 16.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle tree trimming.
See how Houston's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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