Denton, TX Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Post Oak Heritage threshold
- 6 inches dbh
- Other species Quality threshold
- 18 inches dbh
- Landmark Tree preservation
- 100% required
- Non-protected species
- Crepe Myrtle, ornamental pear, Mesquite, Honey Locust
Summary
Denton's tree code singles out Post Oak by species, granting it Heritage-tree protection at just 6 inches dbh while other species need 18 inches to qualify.
Heritage Trees: All Quality trees with a dbh greater than 18 inches and all Post Oaks with a dbh of six inches or greater. ... Non-Protected Tree: The following are considered Non-Protected Trees: ... Crepe Myrtles and ornamental pears; Mesquite unless part of a Preserved Habitat or Conservation Easement; Honey Locust, unless part of a Preserved Habitat or Conservation Easement; or Any tree listed on the Texas Department of Agriculture Noxious and Invasive Plant List.
Full Breakdown
Under the Denton Development Code, a tree's protected status depends on its species, not just its size. Post Oaks reach Heritage Tree status, the code's top preservation tier, required to be 100% avoided or heavily mitigated, at only 6 inches diameter at breast height (dbh), while every other species must reach 18 inches dbh to even qualify as a lesser 'Quality Tree.' Landmark Trees (registered on the Texas Big Tree Registry or historically significant) get absolute protection: 100 percent must be preserved. On the other end, the code names Crepe Myrtles, ornamental pears, Mesquite, and Honey Locust as Non-Protected Trees exempt from preservation rules, along with anything on the state's noxious/invasive plant list.
Violations & Fines
A protected tree removed without an approved tree removal permit is a code violation; mitigation for an unauthorized Heritage Tree removal is calculated at 2.5 inches of replacement dbh for every inch removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Denton treat Post Oak differently?
Are all large trees protected in Denton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.