Lubbock allows residents to plant trees in the public parkway strip between sidewalk and curb subject to species lists, clearance from utilities, and set-distance rules from intersections, fire hydrants, and street signs.
Parkway strips in Lubbock are part of the public right-of-way, but adjacent property owners typically maintain landscaping. The city Forestry Division publishes a recommended species list emphasizing drought-tolerant trees adapted to alkaline soils and high winds, including cedar elm, bur oak, lacebark elm, and Texas red oak. Plantings must maintain visibility triangles at intersections, stay at least ten feet from fire hydrants and signs, and avoid overhead utility conflicts. Permit requirements apply for some species and locations. Replacement is required if the city must remove a parkway tree damaged during utility work the homeowner caused.
Unauthorized removal of an established parkway tree can trigger replacement orders plus restitution measured by appraised tree value, often hundreds to thousands of dollars per tree depending on species and size.
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock does not require permits for removing trees on private residential property in most cases. Property owners may remove trees on their own land. Howeve...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock does not have a mandatory tree replacement ordinance for private property. The UDC's tree preservation credit system provides incentives for develope...
See how Lubbock's parkway planting rules stack up against other locations.
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