Austin's tree mitigation requirements under Title 25, Chapter 25-8 require replacement planting or payment into the Tree Fund when protected or heritage trees are removed. Standard protected tree mitigation is calculated based on the diameter of the removed tree using a caliper-inch replacement formula. Heritage trees require a higher mitigation ratio. Developers may plant replacement trees on-site, off-site at an approved location, or pay into the City's Tree Mitigation Fund. The fund is used for tree planting in underserved areas.
Austin's tree replacement ordinance ensures the urban canopy is maintained when trees are removed. When removal is approved, replacement planting is required at ratios based on the removed tree's size: trees 6–12 inches DBH require 1:1 replacement, 12–24 inches require 2:1, and 24+ inches (heritage) require 3:1 or higher. Replacement trees must meet minimum standards: 2-inch caliper for deciduous trees, 6-foot height for evergreens. Species must be from Austin's approved planting list appropriate for the South Central's humid subtropical to semi-arid climate. Replacement trees must be planted within 6 months of removal, either on the same property or at an approved off-site location. Where planting is impractical, an in-lieu fee ($300–$800 per required tree) may be paid to the city tree fund, which finances public tree planting.
Failure to plant required replacements within 6 months: $200–$500 per tree plus ongoing penalties. Replacement trees that die within 2 years must be re-planted.
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See how Austin's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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