Harris County, TX Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Lots over 5,000 sq ft
- Two 1.5-caliper-inch trees
- Lots 5,000 sq ft or less
- One 1.5-caliper-inch tree
- Deadline
- Planted before occupancy
- ROW planting
- Needs Commissioner's designee approval
- Species
- From Houston Ch. 33 Appendix A list
Summary
New Harris County subdivisions must plant one or two caliper-inch trees per single-family lot, and builders may install them in the county right-of-way instead of the yard if a commissioner's designee signs off first.
Every lot greater than 5,000 square feet in size shall require that a minimum of two 1.5 inch minimum caliper trees are planted in the front yard. Every lot smaller or equal to 5,000 square feet in size shall require a minimum of one 1.5 inch caliper tree be planted in the front yard... The required trees may be placed in the County right-of-way to fulfill this requirement provided the following conditions are satisfied.
Full Breakdown
Under the county's platted-infrastructure regulations, single-family lots recorded after the rule's December 2018 effective date must have front-yard trees: two 1.5-caliper-inch trees on lots over 5,000 square feet, one on smaller lots, planted before occupancy and drawn from Houston's Chapter 33 Appendix A tree list. Builders may instead plant them in the adjacent county right-of-way (the parkway strip) if the Commissioner's designee approves, a restrictive covenant assigns maintenance with no county involvement, and the trees won't create a traffic hazard or damage the sidewalk or pavement. Preserved existing trees can count toward the requirement on a caliper-inch basis.
Violations & Fines
Occupancy of the residence is withheld until the required trees are planted; the requirement is also written into the recorded plat and subdivision restrictive covenants, so noncompliance can hold up plat and building-permit sign-off through the County Engineering Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant my required trees in the county right-of-way instead of my yard?
Does this apply to my existing house in unincorporated Harris County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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