Brownsville, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

UDC Section 5.1.2.A limits tree preservation to new development and redevelopment that increases the building footprint, so it does not reach routine homeowner yard work. Within that scope, Section 5.1.3 splits preserved trees into two tiers. Trees between 12 and 24 caliper inches are Protected Trees, removable with Planning Director approval. Trees of 24 caliper inches or greater are Heritage Trees, and only the City Commission can approve their removal. Heritage Trees carry a 3:1 caliper inch mitigation ratio with replacements at a three-inch minimum caliper, and each preserved Heritage Tree counts as eight trees toward the landscaping required by Section 4.6.3. A Critical Root Zone extends to the drip line, where material storage, vehicle parking, paving, grade changes, and root cutting are prohibited. Thirteen species are exempt, along with right-of-way trees and trees a certified arborist finds dead or diseased beyond recovery.