Burleson, TX Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Burleson Code § 86-82 (spacing)
- Minimum spacing
- Small 30 feet, medium 40 feet, large 50 feet
- Curb and sidewalk setback
- Two, three, and four feet (small, medium, large)
- Fireplug clearance
- No street tree within ten feet (§ 86-84)
- Utility easement rule
- Small-tree species only near overhead and underground utilities
- Appeal path
- Tree board ruling to city council (§ 86-55)
Summary
In the City of Burleson, Texas, street trees must be planted at least 30 feet apart for small trees, 40 feet for medium trees, and 50 feet for large trees unless the tree board approves closer spacing (Code § 86-82). Only species on the official list in § 86-81 can be planted as street trees without the tree board's written permission.
The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the tree species size classes listed in section 86-81, and no trees may be planted closer together than the following without the approval of the tree board: small trees—30 feet; medium trees—40 feet; and large trees—50 feet.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 86, Article II of the Burleson Code treats street trees as a regulated planting zone. Section 86-31 defines street trees as trees, shrubs, and any other woody plant on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues, or ways in the city. Section 86-81 names the official street tree species, sorted into small, medium, and large classes, and bars any other species without the written permission of the tree board. The tree board is made up of all members of the parks board (§ 86-51).
The distances in the code all hang on those size classes. Section 86-82 sets minimum spacing of 30 feet for small trees, 40 feet for medium trees, and 50 feet for large trees. Section 86-83 keeps trees back from the curb or curb lane and from sidewalks: two feet for small trees, three feet for medium trees, and four feet for large trees. Section 86-84 bars planting inside the visibility triangle and within ten feet of any fireplug. The visibility triangle measures seven feet by 60 feet from the property corner in each direction along the property line, or 25 feet for uncontrolled intersections.
Utility easements get their own limit. Under § 86-85, only species listed as small trees can be planted in a utility easement under or within ten lateral feet of an overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of an underground waterline, sewer line, transmission line, or other utility. After planting, § 86-86 makes topping unlawful as a normal practice, defining it as cutting limbs back to stubs larger than three inches in diameter, and § 86-87 requires street and park tree stumps to be removed below the surface of the ground.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 86 prints no fine of its own for planting violations, so the general penalty in § 1-14 applies: a fine not exceeding $500 where no specific penalty is provided, with each day a separate offense. Section 86-54 makes it unlawful to prevent, delay, or interfere with the tree board or its agents while they plant, prune, or remove street trees. Any person can appeal a tree board ruling or order to the city council under § 86-55.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart do street trees have to be in Burleson?
Can I plant any tree between my sidewalk and the street in Burleson?
How close to a fire hydrant can a street tree go in Burleson?
Can a Burleson street tree be topped?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burleson
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