Leander, TX Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Tree removal in Leander is governed by Article VI (Site Standards) of the Composite Zoning Ordinance, which establishes a tiered permit-and-mitigation system. Heritage Trees "shall be preserved on site unless otherwise approved for removal" and may be removed only with an approved Heritage Tree Permit; Tree Preservation Plans must note that Heritage Trees cannot be removed without a permit. Significant Trees greater than eight caliper inches must be preserved to the greatest extent reasonably possible, but up to 50 percent of Significant Trees between 8 and 18 caliper inches may be removed during construction without mitigation. Beyond those thresholds, replacement mitigation is required at 1:1 for 8-18 inch Significant Trees, 2:1 for Significant Trees greater than 18 and less than 26 caliper inches, and 3:1 for Heritage Trees, with a $300.00 per-caliper-inch fee for Heritage Trees. Preserved Heritage Trees can be credited toward landscape planting requirements. To request removal, applicants use the city's Tree Removal Request Application and Checklist (a Submittal Packet on the city website). An exception eliminates mitigation where the Planning Director finds a Significant or Heritage Tree interferes with safe visibility at a sight triangle of an existing public street. Most permit and mitigation obligations arise in connection with development or site work; a homeowner removing a small, non-protected tree typically has fewer requirements but should confirm a tree's status first.