Tyler, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Heritage Registry
- None in Tyler
- Protected Size
- 6-inch DBH or larger
- Street Buffer
- 40 feet, 75% preserved
- Public Trees
- Urban Forestry Division
- Recognition
- Tree City USA since 2009
Summary
Tyler has no separate heritage-tree registry. Its development code instead protects trees 6 inches DBH and larger in commercial and multifamily projects through mandatory buffers, and the city manages significant public trees through its Tree City USA urban forestry program.
The approximate location and diameter at breast height (DBH) of all living trees which are six inches in DBH in size or larger when measured at 4 ½ feet above the ground within a 40' buffer area along any street frontage, and 25' buffer area on all other property boundaries.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Unlike some cities, Tyler does not designate individual "heritage" or "landmark" trees for special legal status. Protection instead runs through the Unified Development Code: during development in multifamily, commercial, office, and manufacturing districts, all living trees 6 inches DBH or larger must be inventoried, and undisturbed tree buffers 40 feet deep along street frontage and 25 feet along other boundaries must be preserved along 75 percent of each property line (Sec. 10-303). Public trees are managed by the Parks and Recreation Department's Urban Forestry Division under a five-year plan. Tyler, the "Rose Capital," has been an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA every year since 2009.
Violations & Fines
Removing preserved buffer trees or damaging city trees is enforced by Urban Forestry and Development Services; violators must mitigate and can be fined under Sec. 1-4, up to $2,000 per day for zoning offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tyler protect specific heritage or landmark trees?
What counts as a protected tree in Tyler?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tyler
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tyler to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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