Houston, TX Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Chapter 33, Article VI, §33-160
- Covered tree
- 20+ caliper inches, or 1.5" street-list
- Replacement
- 1 caliper inch per inch removed
- In-lieu fee
- $225/$375/$500 per caliper inch
- Notice
- Written, 20 days before removal
Summary
Houston, which has no zoning, protects trees within streets and parkways under Chapter 33, Article VI. Removing a covered street tree requires 20 days' written notice and a replacement requirement met by replanting inch-for-inch or paying $225 to $500 per caliper inch into the city tree fund.
Sec. 33-160. Tree replacement requirement. (a) ...no person shall cause a tree that is situated in whole or in substantial part within a street to be removed without complying with a tree replacement requirement, which may be satisfied as follows: (1) ...additional trees from the street tree list on the basis of one caliper inch of tree planted for one caliper inch of tree removed; (2) By contributing to the fund...$225.00 per caliper inch...for a 6 inch caliper trees and smaller, $375.00...over 6 inch and up to 12 inch caliper trees, and $500.00...over 12 inch caliper trees
Full Breakdown
Section 33-160 bars removing any tree situated in whole or substantial part within a street unless the remover meets a tree replacement requirement: replant from the city street tree list one caliper inch per inch removed, pay into the fund under section 33-123(a)(2), or combine both. Fund rates run $225 per caliper inch for trees 6 inches and smaller, $375 for over 6 up to 12 inches, and $500 above 12 inches. A written notice of removal must be filed at least 20 days beforehand. Article VI covers any species of 20 caliper inches or more, or 1.5 inches if on the street tree list. Houston has no zoning, so private-lot trees away from streets stay largely unregulated.
Violations & Fines
Removing a covered tree without permission is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $500, with each removed tree a separate offense; the city can also sue to recover the tree's value. Enforced by Houston Parks and Recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Houston protect trees on private property?
How much does it cost to remove a street tree?
Do I need to notify the city before removing a tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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