Garland, TX Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected tree minimum size
- 6-inch diameter, any species
- Class 1 species examples
- Elm, pecan, oak, walnut, ash
- Class 1 diameter threshold
- 18 inches minimum
- Class 1 replacement ratio
- 2 caliper inches per diameter inch
- Class 3 replacement ratio
- 0.5 caliper inch per diameter inch
Summary
Garland's Development Code protects any tree of any species with at least a 6-inch diameter unless it falls on the Section 4.55(R) unprotected list. Certain high-value species, including American elm, cedar elm, pecan, all oak and walnut species, and persimmon, are further classified as Class 1 Trees once they reach an 18-inch diameter, triggering a 2:1 replacement ratio if removed.
(J) "Protected Tree" means a tree of any species that has a minimum diameter of six inches that is not classified as an Unprotected Tree in this article. (B) "Class 1 Tree" means a protected healthy tree whose age, size, or natural character are of special importance to the City and meets the following species and size requirements: (1) Trees of the following species having a minimum 18-inch diameter: American elm, cedar elm, lacebark elm, chittam wood, persimmon, green & Texas ash, Pecan, all oak and walnut species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
55(J) of the Garland Development Code defines a "Protected Tree" broadly: any species with a minimum 6-inch diameter that is not classified as an Unprotected Tree elsewhere in Article 4. 55(B) singles out Class 1 Trees, protected trees "whose age, size, or natural character are of special importance to the City," limited to American elm, cedar elm, lacebark elm, chittam wood, persimmon, green and Texas ash, pecan, and all oak and walnut species, each requiring a minimum 18-inch diameter to qualify. 55(D) separately lists a lower-value Class 3 group (hackberry/sugarberry, Arizona ash, willow species, cottonwood, honey locust, mesquite, mulberry, pinus species, Siberian elm, and silver maple). 5:1. 5 feet (DBH) for mature trees already on a site.
Violations & Fines
Misclassifying a protected species, or removing a Class 1 tree while reporting it as Class 2 or Class 3 on a Tree Management Plan, understates the mitigation owed and exposes the applicant to the same $250-per-diameter-inch civil penalty under Section 4.57(A) that applies to any unauthorized removal or injury of a protected tree, adjudicated through the City's Chapter 24 administrative enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree 'protected' in Garland?
Which Garland trees get the highest protection level?
Does a mesquite or cottonwood get the same protection as an oak in Garland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle protected tree species.