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

Sec. 102-2 of the tree preservation chapter defines a heritage tree as 'a healthy tree with a DBH of 28 inches or more; or of a species listed on the Texas Forest Service list of native and naturalized trees of Texas that has a circumference not less than two-thirds of the threshold circumference required for classification as a big tree' under the Texas Big Tree Registry sponsored by Texas A&M Forest Service. Heritage trees receive the largest individual tree credit under the canopy-credit table in Sec.

102-16, worth 2,000 square feet versus a maximum of 1,200 square feet for any other protected tree. Under Sec. 102-11(c)(2), any heritage tree remaining on property that was previously cleared must be assessed before a clearing permit proposing its removal can be approved, and the applicant carries the burden of demonstrating that preserving or transplanting the heritage tree would cause unnecessary hardship, a higher bar than applies to ordinary protected trees. Heritage trees are also exempted from the location restrictions that otherwise apply to individual tree credits in commercial and residential developments under Sec.

102-16(b)(1)-(2), meaning a heritage tree can be counted toward canopy credit even inside a FEMA-regulated floodway or outside the normal distance bands other trees must meet. A protected tree generally, including a heritage tree, is one that is six inches or greater in DBH or was planted or preserved to satisfy this chapter, per Sec. 102-2.