Sherman, TX Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 10.03.009 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances protects trees by species and size. Subsection (c)(1) defines a protected tree as any species listed in Table 10.1 that measures 12 caliper inches or larger, and says species not so listed do not require protection or replacement. Subsection (d) repeats the limit: the requirements for tree replacement and mitigation apply only to the trees listed in Table 10.1. Caliper is the diameter of the trunk measured 12 inches above grade under Section 10.01.003.

Table 10.1 names these species by common and scientific name: pecan, black hickory, walnut, southern magnolia, Texas oak, red oak, bur oak, chinkapin oak, Shumard red oak, post oak, live oak, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, lacebark elm, Chinese pistachio, bigtooth maple, Caddo maple and red mulberry. Red oak, bur oak, chinkapin oak, live oak, cedar elm, lacebark elm and Chinese pistachio carry an asterisk, which the table defines as trees recommended as appropriate street trees within public right-of-way or in close proximity.

The ordinance applies to all property in the City of Sherman and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, administered by the city manager or designee. A tree survey submitted with a preliminary plat or a tree removal permit must be performed and certified by a certified arborist, registered landscape architect or registered professional land surveyor, and must show the exact size, location, condition (healthy, dead or declining) and species of each protected tree measuring 12 caliper inches or larger. The code recommends surveying trees of eight caliper inches or larger to keep eligibility for preserved tree credits. In place of a survey, an applicant can submit a sworn affidavit that no protected trees are on the property or that all are entirely dead or declining, or can designate no-disturbance preservation areas covering a minimum of 20 percent of the land with substantial existing tree canopy.

Exemptions include subdivisions of five acres or less, trees a certified arborist has documented as dead, diseased, declining or safety hazards, proposed public streets, utility easements and required fire lanes, and anything exempt under Section 212.905 of the Texas Local Government Code.