Leander, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Leander's tree regulations live in the Composite Zoning Ordinance, Article VI (Site Standards), which governs landscaping, tree preservation, and protection. The ordinance is primarily aimed at development and site plans rather than ongoing maintenance pruning by homeowners; routine trimming of healthy trees on an established single-family lot generally does not require a city permit. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their landscaping in a "healthy, neat and orderly appearance." Visibility rules do affect trimming near streets: "No landscaping over three feet in height shall be planted within forty (40) feet of the intersection of any street pavement," and where the Planning Director determines a Significant or Heritage Tree interferes with safe visibility at a sight triangle of an existing public street, the tree may be removed without the usual mitigation. Trees that are part of a Tree Preservation Plan for a developed site, or that are protected Significant or Heritage Trees, carry stronger preservation expectations and should not be heavily pruned or topped without checking with the Planning Department. For trees in the public right-of-way or street trees, the city's street-tree provisions (Ordinance 20-011-00) apply, so coordinate with the city before trimming city-owned or right-of-way trees.