Harris County maintains a voluntary Tree Registry through the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council recognizing exceptional native trees. The registry provides no legal protection — it is purely honorary. No county heritage tree ordinance restricts removal on private property.
The Harris County Tree Registry, managed by the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council, documents the largest trees in the county by native or naturalized species. Heritage trees are generally defined as trees over 24 inches in diameter that have exceptional age, rarity, size, botanical, or historical value. However, the registry is purely voluntary and honorary with no legal protections. Unlike some Texas cities, Harris County has no heritage tree ordinance that would require permits or mitigation for removing significant trees. Property owners in unincorporated areas may remove any tree on their land without county approval.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Harris County, TX
Harris County Engineering creates loading zones on county-maintained streets through traffic-control orders authorized by Transportation Code section 542.202...
Harris County, TX
Smoke alarms in Harris County homes are governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 766.002 and, for rentals, Texas Property Code Sections 92.251 to 92....
Harris County, TX
Texas counties have no general zoning authority under Local Government Code Chapter 231, so unincorporated Harris County does not require a home occupation p...
Harris County, TX
Unincorporated Harris County does not impose night caps or stay-length limits on short-term rentals. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under th...
Harris County, TX
Texas Transportation Code does not classify skateboards, so they are barred from roadways. Harris County Precinct Parks rules prohibit skateboarding outside ...
Harris County, TX
Harris County has no local lead-hazard rental inspection program. Federal Title X (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992) and EPA Renovat...
See how Harris County's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.