Harris County, TX Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Ratio
- Inch for inch, same/similar species
- Applies to
- HCFCD right-of-way tree removal
- Plan sealed by
- Texas-licensed landscape architect
- Pruning cap
- Max 1/4 of tree canopy
- Pruner qualification
- Licensed, bonded Texas tree professional
Summary
When work in a Harris County Flood Control District right-of-way removes a 'desirable' tree, the ROW user must replace it inch for inch with the same or a similar species. Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 sets this ratio separately from the county's specimen-tree caliper formula used in road right-of-way.
HCFCD may require a ROW user to provide Landscaping plans sealed by a Registered Landscape Architect licensed in the State of Texas detailing any vegetation management activities proposed with HCFCD ROW when the ROW User's work in the ROW will involve removal of trees. ... Tree Removal Provide a tree replacement plan for all desirable trees designated to be removed. Tree replacement will be inch for inch of the same or similar species.
Full Breakdown
Harris County splits its tree-replacement math by which agency controls the right-of-way. For work inside a county road right-of-way, Ch. 41, Subchapter 41B, Sec 25 ties replacement to specimen trees of 12 inches caliper and larger, requiring enough three-inch-caliper replacements to match the removed tree's total caliper. For work inside Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) right-of-way, the same section sets a different, simpler standard: HCFCD can require the ROW User to submit landscaping plans sealed by a Texas-licensed Registered Landscape Architect detailing any vegetation management the work will involve whenever tree removal is part of the job.
Those plans must show trees marked for preservation, protected with 'tree protection zones' installed before construction starts, and detailed on the landscape drawings with the protection method noted on a detail sheet. For trees actually designated for removal, the plan must replace 'desirable' trees inch for inch of the same or a similar species, a one-to-one diameter match rather than the road right-of-way's caliper-totaling formula. Pruning tied to the same HCFCD vegetation management work is restricted to licensed and bonded Texas tree care professionals, capped at removing no more than one-quarter of a tree's canopy for access, and must follow ANSI A300 pruning practices.
The distinction matters because a project can straddle both a county road easement and an adjoining HCFCD channel easement, and the applicable replacement ratio depends on which right-of-way holds the tree being removed.
Violations & Fines
Sec 31 makes noncompliance with any Vegetation Management requirement, including the HCFCD replacement-plan and inch-for-inch replacement mandate, a violation of these Rules. That is a Class C misdemeanor the County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director can pursue in Justice of the Peace Court, with the County Engineer able to refer a case to the County Attorney for injunctive relief or a civil penalty against the ROW User.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HCFCD replacement ratio the same as the county road ratio?
Who has to seal the HCFCD landscaping plan?
How much of a tree can be pruned for access?
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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