Texarkana, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 115-7, Landscaping Regs
- Minimum caliper for credit
- 4 inches
- Top credit tier
- 15 points, 18"+ caliper
- Dead credited tree
- Must replace at equal points
- Program type
- Optional development incentive
Summary
Texarkana's landscaping code lets developers earn point credit toward the mandatory 60-point landscaping plan by preserving on-site trees the city deems historic or specimen, minimum four-inch caliper, through construction.
To protect a building site and reserve trees that are deemed historic or specimen (caliper a minimum of four inches) trees and that are to remain at the finished site. These trees would count in a landscaping plan and will be protected from the construction of the site. Tree credits will be granted according to caliper size, street view and overall health.
Tree Credits Points Caliper of 4"—6" 2 Outside of street view 1 Caliper of 6"—12" 5 Outside of street view 3 Caliper of 12"—18" 10 Outside of street view 5 Caliper of 18" and up 15 Outside of street view 10
(b)If a tree for which credit was received dies, it must be replaced with a tree equal to the number of points received, as shown on the approved landscaping plan, if necessary to maintain the minimum 60-point requirement. (Code 1961, § 30A-7; Ord. No. 319-2000, § 1(exh. A), 12-18-2000)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 115-7 of the landscaping regulations, a developer who protects and keeps a historic or specimen tree (at least four inches caliper) standing through construction earns landscaping points scaled to size: 2 points for a 4"-6" tree up to 15 points for an 18-inch-plus tree, with extra points if the tree sits outside street view. Those credits count toward the 60-point minimum every covered landscaping plan must reach. It's a design incentive built into new development review, not a standalone historic-tree registry, designation process, or removal permit covering trees citywide.
Violations & Fines
There's no fine for removing a historic or specimen tree outside a landscaping plan: this is a voluntary credit, not a ban. But if a tree that earned credit later dies, the plan must replace it with a tree of equal point value to stay at the required 60 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texarkana require a permit to remove a heritage tree?
What makes a tree 'historic or specimen' under the code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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