Dallas County does not maintain a countywide protected tree species list. The City of Dallas Article X tree ordinance and similar Irving, Plano, and Richardson rules protect specific species and sizes. Check your city.
Texas counties lack zoning authority and generally cannot enact tree protection ordinances. Dallas County does not regulate tree removal on private property and has no protected species list. Tree protection in the Dallas region is a city function. The City of Dallas Article X (Chapter 51A-10) protects trees four inches or larger, with stricter rules for larger trees and specific species like live oak, post oak, pecan, bur oak, and bald cypress. Plano, Richardson, Irving, Frisco, and Carrollton each maintain their own protected species lists and mitigation requirements. Dallas County Parks staff manage trees on county park property under departmental policy, not ordinance.
No countywide penalty. City violations vary; Dallas Article X allows fines up to $2,000 per tree plus replacement requirements at full caliper inch ratio.
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto provides enhanced protection for heritage or specimen trees—typically large, mature trees of native species such as post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar e...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto's tree preservation ordinance requires permits before removing protected trees on private property, particularly during development or substantial imp...
See how DeSoto's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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