Texas counties have no general police power to designate or protect specific tree species on private property. Harris County does not list protected species. Houston, Bellaire, West University, and Sugar Land protect heritage and species-specific trees through their own urban forestry ordinances inside city limits.
Texas Local Government Code grants counties only narrow regulatory authority. Without statutory delegation, Harris County cannot impose tree species protections on private property in unincorporated areas. State law preempts county tree removal regulation on commercial and residential lots. Houston's Tree Protection Ordinance lists species like live oak, water oak, magnolia, pecan, and bald cypress as protected when above size thresholds, with replacement requirements and removal permits. Bellaire and West University Place have stricter protections requiring arborist sign-off. Harris County Engineering coordinates tree removals only on county-owned property and right-of-way. The Texas A&M Forest Service is the statewide technical authority for native and heritage tree identification and care.
Houston Tree Protection Ordinance violations carry fines up to $2,000 per tree per day plus replacement costs. There is no county-level fine for removing trees on unincorporated private property, except where TxDOT or pipeline easements impose contractual protections.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
See how Houston's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.