Lubbock has no formal protected-species ordinance like coastal cities, but the Forestry Division discourages planting invasive or wind-prone species and encourages native shade trees suited to the South Plains climate.
Unlike coastal Texas cities or Austin's heritage-tree ordinance, Lubbock does not designate specific species as protected. Instead, the Forestry Division publishes guidance discouraging Siberian elm, mulberry, Bradford pear, and salt cedar due to invasiveness, wind damage, or water consumption. Recommended species include native and adapted choices like bur oak, cedar elm, Texas red oak, desert willow, and chinquapin oak. Mature specimens of any species on parkway property still require permits before removal, but no per-species protection list exists. Cotton-farming windbreaks and shelterbelts on adjoining county land have separate protections under USDA conservation programs.
Planting prohibited invasive species in public parkways may trigger removal orders. Otherwise, species choices on private property are unregulated though strongly guided by Forestry Division advisories.
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree protection program for private property. The city's semi-arid High Plains climate results in fewer l...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock allows residents to plant trees in the public parkway strip between sidewalk and curb subject to species lists, clearance from utilities, and set-dis...
See how Lubbock's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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