Richardson, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Specimen tree threshold
- 24 inches DBH or larger
- Protected tree threshold
- 6 inches DBH or larger
- Specimen replacement ratio
- 2 caliper-inches per 1 removed
- Standard protected-tree ratio
- 1:1 (Sec. 22.5-7(b))
- Replacement tree size floor
- 3 caliper inches, 14 feet tall
- Residential exemption
- Developed single-family/duplex lots
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 4496, May 6, 2024
Summary
Richardson's tree code sets a higher protection tier for its biggest trees: any tree with a caliper of 24 inches DBH or more is a "specimen tree," and removing one requires replanting at double the ratio required for an ordinary protected tree. Developed single-family and duplex residential lots are exempt.
Protected tree means any tree six inches in caliper DBH or larger which is not an unprotected tree. ... Specimen tree means a tree with a caliper of 24-inches DBH or greater. ... Replacement of each protected tree shall require the replanting of replacement trees of not less than one caliper inch DBH for each one caliper inch DBH of removed tree. Replacement of each specimen tree shall require the replanting of replacement trees of two caliper inches DBH for each one caliper inch DBH of removed tree. Replacement trees shall be not less than three caliper inches DBH and not less than 14 feet tall measured from the top of the root ball at the time of planting.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
5, adopted by Ord. No. 4496 on May 6, 2024, splits trees into two protected tiers. A "protected tree" is any tree six inches in caliper DBH or larger; a "specimen tree" is a tree with a caliper of 24 inches DBH or greater, the code's marker for its most mature and significant trees. 5-7(c) doubles that to 2:1 for a specimen tree. 5-7(d). Owners can instead pay into the city's tree management fund at a rate set in the Master Fee Schedule per caliper inch of required mitigation, rather than replanting on site.
5-2(a) exempts trees removed from a developed residential property or in connection with residential redevelopment, so a homeowner replacing a mature oak in their own yard is not subject to the specimen-tree mitigation ratio.
Violations & Fines
Removing a specimen tree without the required permit exposes the owner to the same penalty as any unpermitted protected-tree removal under section 22.5-6(a): a fine of up to $2,000.00 per tree, with each tree a separate offense. The development services director, city building official or another authorized representative can place a stop-work order on activity that is removing protected or specimen trees in violation of chapter 22.5, and a director's interpretation can be appealed to the board of adjustment under section 22.5-4(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a "specimen tree" in Richardson?
Do I have to replace a specimen tree at a higher rate than a smaller protected tree?
Does this apply if I want to remove a big tree in my own backyard?
How big does the replacement tree have to be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle heritage & protected trees.