Harris County, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Branch clearance
- 24 in from curb, 15 ft high
- Trunk setback
- 6 ft minimum from curb
- Hydrant buffer
- No plantings within 10 ft
- Pruning standard
- ANSI A300 tree care operations
- Enforcing agency
- County Engineer or HCTRA
- Penalty
- Class C misdemeanor, JP Court
Summary
Trees and shrubs planted inside a Harris County road or flood-control right-of-way must stay clear of the pavement and sightlines. County rule Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 requires branches trimmed to 24 inches off the curb up to a height of 15 feet along esplanades, tree trunks set back at least six feet from the curb, and a 10-foot buffer around fire hydrants.
Centerline of tree trunk must be six feet or greater from the inside edge of curb. Tree branches shall be trimmed and maintained to a minimum of 24 inches from inside of curb to a height of 15 feet from top of curb and in accordance with ANSI standards A-300 (American National Standards for Tree Care Operations.) No trees or plantings are allowed within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. The fire hydrant should not be hidden from view from the street by vegetation or structures.
Full Breakdown
Harris County Engineering enforces this standard through the permit process that governs any 'Work' performed inside a county road or Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) right-of-way, from utility installation to private landscaping tied into an esplanade. Under Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 of the Harris County Code of Ordinances, anyone installing, damaging, or removing landscaping in that right-of-way must first get plan approval from the County Engineer or the HCTRA Executive Director showing the existing and proposed vegetation. Along esplanades, the rule sets exact clearance geometry: a tree trunk's centerline must sit at least six feet inside the curb line, and branches must be cut back a minimum of 24 inches from the curb face up to 15 feet of height, using ANSI A300 pruning standards for the cut itself.
The section layers additional sightline protections nearby: no tree or shrub taller than three feet at maturity within 200 feet of a traffic signal, sign, or control device, a 350 to 400-foot clear zone at esplanade noses based on posted speed, and no plantings taller than 18 inches within 150 feet of a school crossing. Fire hydrants get their own 10-foot no-planting buffer so they stay visible from the street. Damaged or removed landscaping must be replaced with an equivalent amount, size, and quality of planting at a location the County Engineer designates, and disturbed turf grass must be restored.
The rule reaches landscaping tied to county or HCFCD right-of-way work; it does not create a general duty for homeowners to trim trees on their own lots away from that right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Sec 31 makes it a violation of these Rules to fail to follow any listed provision, including the vegetation clearance standards. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor, and the County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director can pursue enforcement in the appropriate Justice of the Peace Court. The County Engineer can also refer a violation to the County Attorney for injunctive relief or a civil penalty, and non-compliant work can be shut down at the County Engineer's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this clearance rule cover trees in my backyard?
What pruning standard does the county require?
Who approves landscaping changes in the right-of-way?
Can I get an exception to the clearance rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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