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.
La Porte, TX
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA sy...
La Porte, TX
La Porte regulates construction noise through its nuisance ordinance in Chapter 74. While no standalone construction hours ordinance exists, residential cons...
La Porte, TX
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) addresses barking dogs as a nuisance. A dog that barks, howls, or makes excessive noise continuously that di...
La Porte, TX
La Porte does not have a specific ordinance restricting leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial l...
La Porte, TX
La Porte regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential property through its zoning and property maintenance ...
La Porte, TX
La Porte requires driveways to meet city standards for materials, width, and construction. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces — parking on grass, dirt...
See how La Porte'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.