Central Texas tree ordinance lookup
Pick your city and you get its tree ordinance — the trunk diameter at which a removal permit is required, which species are protected, what mitigation costs, and the department to call. 37 municipalities, plus the four City of Austin tiers, because an Austin mailing address does not tell you whether the Austin ordinance applies to your lot.
41 entries in all. Ordinances in this region are amended frequently, so every entry carries the date we last checked it against the city’s own code, and the oldest of those is 2026-04-20.
37 municipalities plus the four City of Austin tiers. Every one of them is also written out in full below — the menu just scrolls you there.
The menu above needs JavaScript to scroll for you. Without it, every jurisdiction is still listed below — open the one you want.
If you are in Austin, which tier applies is the whole question
Inside the city limits a permit is required at 19″ DBH and heritage rules start at 24″. Inside Austin’s ETJ — the two-mile ring, the five-mile ring, or an agricultural development agreement — the City of Austin tree ordinance does not apply at all. That boundary does not follow streets, and a mailing address that says “Austin, TX” tells you nothing about which side of it you are on.This page cannot look your parcel up. Confirm it with the City Arborist before you cut anything, or call us at (512) 996-9100 and we will look it up with you.
AustinAustin Protected + Heritage
Permit required at 19″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 24″ DBH or larger.
Inside Austin city limits, a tree 19 inches or larger in diameter measured 4.5 ft above grade is a "Protected" tree and a removal permit is required. If the tree is 24 inches or larger and on the heritage species list (all oaks, pecan, elm, cypress, maple, ash, walnut, madrone), it's a Heritage tree, removals are prohibited except for narrow exceptions and require 3x caliper-inch replacement or $200/inch to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund. Applications go through the City Arborist via the AB+C permit portal. Confirm current rules with the Austin City Arborist before removal.
Protected species: all oaks; Pecan; American Elm; Cedar Elm; Texas Ash; Arizona Black Walnut; Eastern Black Walnut; Bald Cypress; Bigtooth Maple; Texas Madrone
Mitigation: Protected: 100% caliper-inch replacement. Heritage: 300% caliper-inch replacement. Fee-in-lieu $200/caliper inch to Urban Forest Replenishment Fund ($75/inch for certified affordable development).
Permits: 512-974-9405 · apply via AB+C Portal https://abc.austintexas.gov/
Read the ordinancePermit applicationFee schedule
Sources we checked (6)
- https://www.austintexas.gov/page/tree-reviews-and-permitting
- https://www.austintexas.gov/page/trees-residential-property
- https://austinheritagetreefoundation.com/Imminent_Tree_Removal.html
- https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances
- https://www.biophiliccities.org/austin-tx-tree-protection-policies
- https://bandc.crccheck.com/envboard/452773-20250602-002-austins-heritage-tree-ordinance-presentation/
Austin — 2-mile ETJAustin ETJ (2-mile) — city tree ordinance does NOT apply
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Inside Austin's 2-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction you are outside Austin city limits, and the City of Austin's Tree Preservation Ordinance does not apply here — neither the 19" Protected-tree permit nor the 24" Heritage-tree rules. No City of Austin tree-removal permit is required in the ETJ. Confirm with your county and any applicable HOA/MUD before removal.
Austin — 5-mile ETJAustin ETJ (5-mile) — city tree ordinance does NOT apply
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Inside Austin's 5-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction you are outside Austin city limits, and the City of Austin's Tree Preservation Ordinance does not apply here — neither the 19" Protected-tree permit nor the 24" Heritage-tree rules. No City of Austin tree-removal permit is required in the ETJ. Confirm with your county and any applicable HOA/MUD before removal.
Austin — ETJ, agricultural development agreementAustin ETJ (agricultural development agreement) — city tree ordinance does NOT apply
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
This area is inside Austin's ETJ under an agricultural-use development agreement. The City of Austin's Tree Preservation Ordinance does not apply in the ETJ — no City of Austin tree-removal permit is required. Confirm with your county and any applicable HOA/MUD before removal.
Austin — limited-purpose annexationAustin Limited Purpose — full ordinance applies
Permit required at 19″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 24″ DBH or larger.
Austin "Limited Purpose" annexations are treated as inside city limits for tree-protection — the full 19"-DBH Protected and 24"-DBH Heritage tree rules apply.
BastropBastrop B3 Tree Protection
Permit required at 10″ DBH or larger.
Bastrop's 2025 ordinance protects trees 10 inches DBH or larger that are on the B3 Plant List (native species). Owner-occupied residential properties must replant one 2-inch caliper tree per removal but pay no fee. Commercial / non-residential sites owe $400 per caliper inch if trees aren't replanted on site. Permits are free for residential and filed through MyGov. Confirm current rules with Bastrop Development Services before removal.
Protected species: Native trees listed in B3 Technical Manual Plant List
Mitigation: Residential primary-residence: replant 1x 2-inch caliper tree per removal (no fee). Non-residential: equal caliper-inch replacement OR $400/caliper inch fee-in-lieu.
Permits: 512-332-8840 · plan@cityofbastrop.org
Read the ordinanceFee schedule
Sources we checked (3)
- https://www.cityofbastrop.org/page/plan.treemitigation
- https://www.cityofbastrop.org/page/open/17252/0/ORDINANCE%20NO.%202025-11%20B3%20Code%20Amendment%206.3.004%20Protected%20and%20Heritage%20Trees%20-%20Tree%20Survey.pdf
- https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2793204/Bastrop/Bastrop-County/Texas/Bastrop-City-Council-acts-on-tree-mitigation-fee-ordinance-to-protect-local-trees
Bee CaveBee Cave UDC Article 6 (Tree Preservation)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 24″ DBH or larger.
Bee Cave requires a Tree Removal Permit before cutting protected trees, with heritage status triggered at 24 inches caliper on non-exempt native species. Oak trimming is restricted February 1 through June 30 each year to prevent oak wilt, with a mandatory bleach-and-alcohol tool-sterilization protocol. Site development plans must retain 60% of existing 4-inch-caliper-or-larger trees. Confirm current rules with Bee Cave Planning & Development before removal.
Protected species: Native non-exempt species per UDC § 6.1.4 — exempt list includes hackberry, Ashe juniper, mesquite
Mitigation: 60% tree-preservation required for 4"+ caliper trees during development. Tree Removal Permit (180-day validity) issued by Building Official. Oak trimming restricted July 1 – Feb 1.
Permits: 512-767-6600
BriarcliffOak-wilt trimming restriction (no DBH-based ordinance)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Briarcliff does not have a dedicated tree-preservation ordinance with a DBH threshold. However, any site clearing, excavation, or major vegetation work requires a general village permit, and oak trimming is prohibited February 1 through June 30 to prevent oak wilt. For individual shade-tree removal on existing lots, contact the Village before starting work. Confirm current rules with Briarcliff Village Hall before removal.
Protected species: Oaks (time-of-year trimming restriction only)
Mitigation: No codified tree mitigation; site clearing requires general village permit.
Permits: 512-264-1525
BudaBuda UDC §4.04 (Tree Preservation)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 30″ DBH or larger.
Buda classifies trees into three tiers. Protected trees (8 to 20 inches caliper) can be removed with a Planning Director permit; Signature trees (20 to 30 inches) get extra scrutiny; Heritage trees (30 inches or more) can only be removed after a full City Council public hearing. Common invasives (hackberry, Ashe juniper, mesquite, Chinese tallow, Bradford pear, ligustrum, chinaberry) are exempt. Confirm current rules with Buda Planning before removal.
Protected species: All species EXCEPT exempt list: Hackberry, Eastern Red Cedar, Common Ashe Juniper, Chinaberry, Mesquite, Ligustrum, Chinese Tallow, Bradford Pear
Mitigation: Protected (8–20"): Director of Planning approves. Signature (20–30"): enhanced review. Heritage (30"+): City Council approval required after public hearing.
Permits: 512-295-8845
Cedar ParkCedar Park Article 14.07 (Tree & Landscape)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 26″ DBH or larger.
Cedar Park requires a survey of every 6-inch-caliper-or-larger tree before development, with 50% of preferred-species trees preserved on site. When removals happen, the fee-in-lieu scales steeply: $150 per inch for 8–18.9-inch trees, $300 per inch for 19–25.9-inch trees, and $450 per inch for heritage trees 26 inches or larger. On finished residential lots, routine pruning and smaller-tree removal generally don't require a permit. Confirm current rules with Cedar Park Planning before removal.
Protected species: Species from Austin Grow Green Guide + LCRA preferred plant lists
Mitigation: Fee-in-lieu: $450/inch (heritage 26"+), $300/inch (19–25.9"), $150/inch (8–18.9"). Utility 4"+ caliper hardwood removals require 1:1 replacement with min 3-inch caliper trees. 50% of 6"+ caliper preferred-list trees must be preserved on site.
Permits: 512-401-5000
Read the ordinanceFee schedule
Sources we checked (4)
- https://ecode360.com/38625264
- https://ecode360.com/38628295
- https://communityimpact.com/leander-cedar-park/city-county/2019/03/15/cedar-park-to-preserve-more-trees-with-revised-ordinance/
- https://communityimpact.com/leander-cedar-park/news/2019/03/24/heritage-trees-preserved-through-cedar-park-leander-ordinances/
Creedmoor
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance found as of 2026-04-20. Creedmoor is a small Travis-County municipality and does not appear to publish a tree-removal permit requirement. Hazardous-limb and nuisance-vegetation rules may apply under general nuisance provisions. Confirm current rules with the City of Creedmoor before removal.
Permits: 512-243-2848
Dripping SpringsDripping Springs Article 28.06 (Landscaping & Tree Preservation)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 24″ DBH or larger.
Dripping Springs uses a three-tier system: Standard (8 inches DBH), Legacy (12 inches DBH), and Heritage (24 inches DBH) — and notably, it protects native juniper/mesquite/huisache alongside hardwoods. A tree survey is required for any 8-inch-or-larger protected tree on a development site. Mitigation ratios increase sharply at the Legacy and Heritage tiers. Confirm the current fee and mitigation chart with Dripping Springs Planning before removal.
Protected species: Hardwoods (Heritage/Legacy/Standard tiers); Ashe Juniper; Huisache; Mesquite
Mitigation: Mitigation required for protected tree removal with ratios scaling by tier (Standard / Legacy / Heritage).
Permits: 512-858-4725
ElginElgin Zoning Ch. 44 Art. II (Significant + Heritage)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Elgin requires an approved Tree Preservation Plan before any Significant or Heritage tree can be removed on a development site. Indiscriminate lot-clearing is prohibited; all clearing must be approved by the Planning Director. Mitigation is available either as on-site replacement plantings or payment-in-lieu. On an existing residential lot with a finished home, individual tree removal may be outside the plan trigger. Confirm current rules with Elgin Planning before removal.
Protected species: Native species enumerated in zoning code
Mitigation: Removal of Heritage/Significant trees requires approved Tree Preservation Plan. Mitigation via on-site replacement or payment-in-lieu.
Permits: 512-281-5724
GeorgetownGeorgetown UDC §§ 3.23, 3.24, 8.02
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 26″ DBH or larger.
Georgetown protects Heritage Trees — native hardwoods 26 inches DBH or larger, including all oaks, pecan, elm, cypress, walnut, ash, and magnolia. Any Heritage Tree removal or pruning requires staff review under UDC Sections 3.23 and 3.24. For development sites, a full tree survey of 8-inch-or-larger trees is required, with a Tree Preservation Plan + Mitigation Table recorded on the plat. Contact trees@georgetowntexas.gov with questions. Confirm current rules with Georgetown Planning before removal.
Protected species: Live Oak; Post Oak; various oak species; Bald Cypress; American Elm; Pecan; Walnut; Texas Ash; Southern Magnolia
Mitigation: Tree Preservation Plan + Mitigation Table required on development plats. Heritage tree removal/pruning requires staff review per UDC § 3.23/3.24. Mitigation via on-site replacement or fee-in-lieu.
Permits: trees@georgetowntexas.gov
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (4)
- https://georgetowntexas.qscend.com/askgtx/knowledgebase/article/588
- https://udc.georgetown.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/01/Presentation-01.19.2021-Tree-Preservation.pdf
- https://udc.georgetown.org/udc-amendments/
- https://georgetowntexas.gov/development_services/planning/tree_removal_pruning_and_landscape.php
Hays
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance found as of 2026-04-20. The City of Hays, TX (not Hays County) is a small 1970s subdivision-era municipality; its posted code covers general provisions and offenses but no tree section. Hazardous-limb and nuisance-vegetation rules may apply under general nuisance provisions. Confirm current rules with the City of Hays before removal.
Permits:
HuttoHutto UDC (Chapter 16) Landscape & Tree Preservation — general tree-care ordinance (Tree City USA qualifying)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Inside Hutto, tree protection sits primarily inside the Unified Development Code (Chapter 16) and applies to new development and site-plan review rather than to routine homeowner removals. Hutto has qualified for Tree City USA five years running, which requires a tree-care ordinance. City-wide rules separately require dead or hazardous trees to be removed and limbs overhanging the street to be kept pruned to at least eight feet of clearance above the curb. Because the exact caliper threshold, protected-species list, and mitigation ratio are inside the full UDC rather than a standalone private-lot ordinance, check with Hutto Development Services (500 W Live Oak St, 512-759-4015) before any significant removal. Confirm current rules with Hutto Development Services before removal.
Protected species: Not separately enumerated in publicly-indexed UDC snippets; Hutto qualifies for Tree City USA (5-year recipient) which requires a tree-care ordinance — scope of private-lot protection is primarily at the development / site-plan stage.
Mitigation: UDC Chapter 16 landscape and tree-preservation standards apply to new development / site-plan approval. Code also requires removal of dead or hazardous trees and that limbs overhanging the street are kept trimmed to at least 8 ft of clearance above the curb line. Private-lot removal permits for individual shade trees are not separately codified in the public snippets reviewed; the specific caliper threshold, mitigation ratio, and fee-in-lieu must be obtained directly from Hutto Development Services.
Permits: 512-759-4015
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (9)
- https://www.huttotx.gov/300/Development-Codes
- https://www.huttotx.gov/468/Code-of-Ordinances
- https://www.huttotx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3779/UDC-Updated-through-March-2024
- https://ecode360.com/HU6354
- https://ecode360.com/39878354
- https://ecode360.com/39877211
- https://ecode360.com/39882677
- https://www.keephuttobeautiful.org/hutto
- https://www.huttotx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=353
JonestownJonestown UDC Article 14.04 (Tree Preservation)
Permit required at 10″ DBH or larger.
Inside Jonestown, any tree 10 inches DBH or larger (4.5 ft above grade) is a protected tree and cannot be removed without a permit from the Building Department — Ashe juniper is exempt below 18 inches. Heritage trees cannot be removed without a city council variance. If replanting isn't feasible, the city charges $150 per caliper inch for protected trees and $250 per caliper inch for significant trees, on top of a $150 permit application fee. Confirm current rules with Jonestown Development Services before removal.
Protected species: All native species ≥ 10" DBH per Appendix A/B of the UDC; Ashe juniper exempt until 18" DBH. Heritage-tree list maintained in ordinance appendices.
Mitigation: Replacement trees equal to 50% of total caliper inches removed; on lots, replacement caliper ≥ 2" (≥ 3" along rights-of-way / medians / parks). Fee-in-lieu $150.00 per replacement inch for protected trees, $250.00 per replacement inch for significant trees. Heritage trees may not be removed except via variance approved by city council. Tree removal permit application fee: $150.00.
Permits: 512-267-0359 · permitting@jonestowntx.gov
Read the ordinancePermit applicationFee schedule
Sources we checked (7)
- https://ecode360.com/40448032
- https://ecode360.com/40454351
- https://ecode360.com/46348642
- https://ecode360.com/40448548
- https://jonestowntx.gov/uploads/city-of-jonestown-udc-more-edits-11.26.24-draft-12.12.24_excluding-utilities_clean-copy.pdf
- https://jonestowntx.gov/uploads/fee-schedule-1-2026.pdf
- https://jonestowntx.gov/documents
KyleKyle Ch. 54 § 54-12 (Landscaping & Screening)
Permit required at 12″ DBH or larger.
Kyle requires a Tree Removal Plan and written approval from the Director of Planning before any protected tree 12 inches DBH or larger can be removed. If the tree is a specimen or protected species, the application must include a letter of justification with photographs and (where appropriate) a certified arborist condition letter. The provisions are triggered by activities requiring a land development permit — residential-lot pruning on a finished home is typically outside the scope. Confirm current rules with Kyle Planning before removal.
Protected species: Native hardwoods + specimen trees per § 54-12
Mitigation: Tree removal plan required before protected/specimen tree removal; letter of justification + photos + certified arborist condition letter (where applicable).
Permits: 512-262-3960
Lago VistaLago Vista Chapter 14 Zoning (Tree Preservation)
Permit required at 10″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 19″ DBH or larger.
Inside Lago Vista, any native tree 10 inches or larger in diameter (measured 40 inches above the ground) is protected and cannot be removed without a permit. Live oak, Spanish oak, cedar elm, bald cypress, pecan, and other Central Texas natives are on the native-tree list. Trees over 19 inches in diameter require replacement trees totaling twice the caliper inches removed, or a $250-per-inch fee-in-lieu paid to the city (capped at $10,000 per acre on 1- or 2-family residential lots). Any removal that disturbs soil also needs a Highland Lakes Watershed non-point-source-pollution permit. Confirm current rules with Lago Vista Development Services before removal.
Protected species: Live Oak; Spanish Oak; Cedar Elm; Shin Oak; Bald Cypress; Post Oak; Pecan; Bur Oak; other trees indigenous to Central Texas; Small Native Trees: Texas Madrone, Black Cherry, Texas Mountain Laurel, Evergreen Sumac, Mexican Buckeye, Flameleaf Sumac, Texas Persimmon
Mitigation: Protected trees measured 40" above grade. Replacement trees: minimum 2" caliper at planting (pending 2025 revision to 3" caliper). Trees > 19" DBH require total replacement-caliper-inches equal to 2× the caliper inches removed. Fee-in-lieu to City (when on-site replacement not feasible): $250/caliper inch, capped at $10,000 per acre for 1- and 2-family residential properties. Diseased or severely-damaged trees (arborist-certified) are exempt from fee and replacement. Any ground-disturbance for removal also requires a Highland Lakes Watershed non-point-source-pollution permit.
Permits: 512-267-1155
Read the ordinancePermit applicationFee schedule
Sources we checked (6)
- https://www.lagovistatexas.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/498
- https://www.lagovistatexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1776/23-08-03-03-Amend-Chapter-14-Tree-Fees-PDF
- https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/municipalcodeonline.com-new/lagovista/ordinances/documents/1675184938_23-01-19-03%20Amend%20Ch%2014%20Secs%202.10%20and%2013.20(d)%20and%20Appendix%20A%20Art%207.000.pdf
- https://cms7files.revize.com/lagovistatx/Tree%20Mitagation%20Agreement.pdf
- https://lagovista.municipalcodeonline.com/
- https://councilforum.lagovistatexas.gov/threads/2025-tree-and-landscaping-subcommittee-revision-list-draft.140/
LakewayLakeway Tree Protection (Ord. 2025-10-06-01)
Permit required at 12″ DBH or larger.
Lakeway protects any hardwood 12 inches DBH or larger on private property. Removal mitigation scales with size: 1:1 caliper-inch replacement for 12–17-inch trees, 2:1 for 18–23-inch, and 3:1 for trees 24 inches and above. A 2025 ordinance rewrite (Ord. 2025-10-06-01) is the current authority. Confirm current rules with Lakeway Building & Development Services before removal.
Protected species: Hardwood trees
Mitigation: Caliper-inch replacement ratio: 1:1 for 12–17" DBH, 2:1 for 18–23" DBH, 3:1 for 24"+ DBH.
Permits: 512-314-7540
LeanderLeander UDC — Protected + Heritage
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Leander's ordinance protects Heritage Trees during subdivision and site development, requiring 100% preservation of heritage trees unless City Council approves a mitigation plan. Residential lot owners in Leander can generally remove a tree without a permit once the house is complete and occupied, though front-yard removals may trigger replanting requirements (2x 2-inch or 1x 3-inch caliper). Developers face the strictest requirements — Planning & Zoning review and Council approval for any heritage removal. Confirm current rules with Leander Planning before removal.
Protected species: Native hardwood species enumerated in UDC
Mitigation: Residential front-yard replacement: 2x 2-inch caliper OR 1x 3-inch caliper tree. Heritage tree removal requires P&Z + City Council approved mitigation plan.
Permits: 512-528-2700
Sources we checked (4)
- https://library.municode.com/tx/leander/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH14ZO_EXHIBIT_AZOOR_ARTVISIST
- https://www.leandertx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1089/Subdivision-Ordinance-PDF
- https://www.leandertx.gov/791/Landscape-Requirements
- https://mcclibraryfunctions-stage.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/12187/1295358/pdf
Liberty HillLiberty Hill UDC Ch. 5 (Site Development & Design Standards)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 26″ DBH or larger.
Inside Liberty Hill, any tree 8 inches or larger in diameter is a protected tree and cannot be removed without written approval of the Director of Planning. Hackberry, Chinese tallow, Osage-orange, cedar (Ashe juniper), chinaberry, and honey mesquite are exempt regardless of size. Heritage hardwood trees 26 inches or larger may generally not be removed; when removal is approved the site must replant replacement trees at a 3:1 ratio. Fee-in-lieu scales by size: $150 per caliper inch for 8–19.9 inch trees, $300 per inch for 20–25.9 inch trees, and $450 per inch for trees 26 inches and larger. Liberty Hill is rewriting its UDC with adoption targeted for October 2026 — rules may change. Confirm current rules with Liberty Hill Planning & Development (512-778-5449) before removal.
Protected species: All species ≥ 8" DBH EXCEPT exempt list: Hackberry, China-Berry, Chinese Tallow, Osage-orange, Texas Common Cedar (Ashe juniper), Honey Mesquite
Mitigation: Removal of a protected tree requires written approval of the Director of Planning (or designee). Heritage trees (hardwood 26"+ DBH) generally cannot be removed. Replacement-tree mitigation at 3:1 ratio for each protected tree 26"+ caliper or heritage that is removed (when removal is approved). Fee-in-lieu paid into the City's tree fund: $150/caliper inch for 8.0–19.9"; $300/caliper inch for 20.0–25.9"; $450/caliper inch for trees 26"+. Replacement trees may be planted in a city park or other designated area in lieu of fees. Tree topping, over-pruning, and chemical poisoning are unlawful; damaged/dead landscaping must be replaced within 45 days of written notice.
Permits: 512-778-5449
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (9)
- https://ecode360.com/42968920
- https://ecode360.com/42968100
- https://ecode360.com/42968563
- https://ecode360.com/42819573
- https://www.libertyhilltx.gov/680/2025-Unified-Development-Code-UDC-Rewrit
- https://www.libertyhilltx.gov/158/Planning-Zoning
- https://www.libertyhilltx.gov/546/Applications-Checklists
- https://www.libertyhilltx.gov/542/New-Ordinances
- https://lhindependent.com/new-code-will-make-development-liberty-hill-less-restrictive/
LockhartLockhart Development Services Tree Protection
Permit required at 23″ DBH or larger.
Lockhart protects any tree 72 inches or more in circumference (roughly 23 inches DBH) and requires a Tree Removal Permit. The city lists 27 protected native species including all common oaks, pecan, cedar elm, bald cypress, magnolias, and pines. Permits are only granted when the tree is hazardous, dead, dying, or diseased, and replacement trees may be required. Contact Development Services at 512-398-3461 or developmentservices@lockhart-tx.org. Confirm current rules with Lockhart Development Services before removal.
Protected species: Live Oak; Shumard Oak; White Oak; Spanish Oak; other oak varieties; Pecan; Hickories; Magnolias; Pine species; Bald Cypress; Cedar Elm
Mitigation: Permit only granted if tree is hazardous, dead, dying, or diseased. Replacement tree may be required as condition of approval.
Permits: 512-398-3461 · developmentservices@lockhart-tx.org
Manor
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance with a DBH threshold found in Manor's code as of 2026-04-20. Manor's zoning code (Chapter 14) includes standard landscape/screening requirements for commercial development but no residential tree-removal permit. Hazardous-limb and nuisance-vegetation rules may apply under general nuisance provisions. Confirm current rules with the City of Manor Planning Department (512-272-5555) before removal.
Permits: 512-272-5555
Mountain City
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance found as of 2026-04-20. Mountain City is a very small Hays-County municipality. Hazardous-limb and nuisance-vegetation rules may apply under general nuisance provisions. Confirm current rules with Mountain City Hall before removal.
Permits:
Mustang RidgePartial — CRZ in zoning only; no removal-permit ordinance
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No standalone tree-removal-permit ordinance found. Mustang Ridge's zoning code defines "Critical Root Zone" as 1 ft radius per 1 inch of caliper, suggesting tree protection applies in site-development context but no DBH-based permit threshold is published. Confirm current rules with Mustang Ridge City Hall before removal.
Permits:
Sources we checked (1)
Niederwald
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance found as of 2026-04-20. Niederwald is a small Hays-County municipality and its posted ordinances (including Zoning Ordinance 20180507B) do not include a dedicated tree-preservation section. Confirm current rules with Niederwald City Hall (512-398-6338) before removal.
Permits: 512-398-6338
PflugervillePflugerville UDC Subchapter 12 (Tree Preservation Standards)
Permit required at 8″ DBH or larger.
Pflugerville regulates tree preservation through UDC Subchapter 12, which applies to development sites requiring a site plan or subdivision. Trees 8 inches DBH and larger must be identified on a tree survey; mitigation credits are applied at 1:1 for 3–17-inch DBH trees and 2:1 for 18-inch-and-larger trees. Public trees on City property are separately protected under Chapter 95 Article IV. On existing residential lots with finished homes, routine pruning and removal is not typically permit-triggered. Confirm current rules with Pflugerville Planning before removal.
Protected species: Native protected species per UDC § 12.3 + Tree Technical Manual (Appendix A)
Mitigation: Mitigation credits: 1:1 caliper for 3–17" DBH trees, 2:1 for 18"+ DBH trees. Per UDC § 12.8 Mitigation for Tree Removal + Tree Technical Manual.
Permits: 512-990-6300
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (5)
- https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/pflugerville/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=819
- https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/pflugerville/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=842
- https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/pflugerville/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=120
- https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/pflugerville/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=816
- https://ecode360.com/39353659
Point VentureVillage of Point Venture Tree Removal Permit
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Point Venture requires a Tree Removal Permit application before any tree removal in the Village; details of DBH thresholds, mitigation, and protected species are not fully published online and should be confirmed directly with the Village. Council amended tree / lot rules in September 2024. Confirm current rules with Point Venture Village Hall before removal.
Permits: 512-267-1152
RollingwoodRollingwood Residential Landscaping & Tree Canopy Management (2025-04-16)
Permit required at 12″ DBH or larger.
Rollingwood protects 10 native tree species (all oaks, pecan, Texas ash, bald cypress, American + cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, Arizona + Eastern black walnut) when they reach 12 inches DBH or larger. Replacement is 1:1 in buildable areas and 1:3 in setbacks. Oak trimming is prohibited February 1 through June 30 under a $500 fine. All tree trimming contractors must hold a city-issued permit displayed on their vehicle. Confirm current rules with Rollingwood City Hall before removal.
Protected species: Texas Ash; Bald Cypress; American Elm; Cedar Elm; Texas Madrone; Bigtooth Maple; All Oaks; Pecan; Arizona Walnut; Eastern Black Walnut
Mitigation: Replacement 1:1 in buildable areas, 1:3 in setbacks (subject to caps and species lists). Oak trimming prohibited Feb 1 – Jun 30 ($500 fine). All tree-trimming contractors must hold city-issued permit.
Permits: 512-327-1838
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (5)
- https://www.rollingwoodtx.gov/building/page/residential-trees
- https://www.rollingwoodtx.gov/building/page/tree-canopy-ordinance
- https://www.rollingwoodtx.gov/community/page/tree-trimming-and-removal
- https://library.municode.com/tx/rollingwood
- https://viberegroup.com/blog/spec-building-in-rollingwood-permits-trees-and-timelines
Round RockRound Rock Tree Preservation (Ch. 43 Parks + Ch. 8 Art. III Zoning)
Permit required at 20″ DBH or larger.
Round Rock classifies trees by size: 8–19-inch DBH trees removed during development must be replaced 1:1, and any tree 20 inches DBH or larger on undeveloped lots is a "Protected Tree" requiring a removal permit. A Monarch Tree (one of the largest + healthiest of its species in the city) can only be removed with City Council approval. Invasive species (hackberry, chinaberry, Chinese tallow, osage-orange, Ashe juniper, honey mesquite) are exempt. Fee-in-lieu is $150 per caliper inch. Confirm current rules with Round Rock Forestry before removal.
Protected species: All species meeting size threshold EXCEPT: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum), Osage-Orange (Maclura pomifera), Ashe Juniper / Texas Common Cedar (Juniperus ashei), Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
Mitigation: 8–19" DBH trees removed during development require 1:1 replacement. $150/caliper inch fee-in-lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. Monarch trees (top 80% diameter of species in city) require City Council authorization.
Permits: 512-218-5540
Read the ordinancePermit applicationFee schedule
Sources we checked (5)
- http://roundrock-tx.elaws.us/code/coor_ptiii_ch8_artiii_sec8-17
- https://library.municode.com/tx/round_rock/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIIZODECO_CH8ZODEST_ARTIIITRPRPR
- https://library.municode.com/tx/round_rock/codes/code_of_ordinances/296810?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH43TRPRPR_ARTIINGE
- https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/treetechnicalmanual.pdf
- https://greenpolicy360.net/w/Round_Rock,_TX_Updates_Tree_Ordinance
San LeannaSan Leanna Tree Ordinance (Ord. 09-003, 2025 update in draft)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
San Leanna requires residents and contractors to obtain a Village permit before any tree trimming or removal, and prohibits oak trimming February through June to prevent oak wilt. Tree-trimming companies must be registered with the Village. The 2009 ordinance is currently being updated via draft Ord. 25-00X (2025). Confirm current rules with Village Hall (512-280-3898) before any tree work.
Protected species: Oaks (oak wilt prohibition)
Mitigation: Per Village Zoning Ordinance. 2025 update in progress (draft Ord. 25-00X).
Permits: 512-280-3898
San MarcosSan Marcos Development Code Ch. 6 Art. 4 (Tree and Habitat Protection) — applies to new development only
Permit required at 9″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 24″ DBH or larger.
San Marcos overhauled its tree rules in January 2025 (Ord. 2025-01, effective 2025-01-25), moving tree protection from the prior LDC into Chapter 6 Article 4 of the new Development Code. The key scope language in § 6.4.1 is that protections apply to "all new development within the City" — meaning homeowners on a finished single-family residential lot have no DBH-based permit trigger under the Development Code. When the rules do apply (platting, site development, new construction, redevelopment), a Protected Tree is 9"–23" DBH and a Heritage Tree is 24"+ DBH; a limited-protected list (hackberry, Ashe juniper, eastern red cedar, mesquite, huisache) is unprotected below 12" DBH. Mitigation is 1:1 caliper inches for protected removals and 2:1 for heritage removals, with credits for preserving existing trees and a fee-in-lieu option. San Marcos adopts the statewide Feb 1–June 30 oak-pruning caution window (paint all fresh oak cuts at all times of year). Right-of-way vegetation clearance is a separate regime under Ord. 74.122/74.125/74.127: 8 ft clearance between property line and curb, 16 ft at street centerline, with 10 days to correct after notice. Confirm current rules with San Marcos Planning & Development Services (512-393-8230, planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov) before removal.
Protected species: Type 1 (all native species): Protected 9"–23" DBH, Heritage 24"+ DBH; Type 2 Limited Protected (Hackberry/Celtis occidentalis, Ashe Juniper/Juniperus ashei, Eastern Red Cedar/Juniperus virginiana, Mesquite/Prosopis glandulosa, Huisache/Acacia farnesiana): unprotected below 12" DBH; protected 12"–23" DBH; heritage 24"+ DBH; Type 3 Unprotected: any tree on the City's noxious/invasive list (no size trigger); Type 4 Hazardous: dead/declining trees certified by ISA arborist or City Urban Forester (exempt from mitigation)
Mitigation: Protected Tree removal = 1:1 caliper-inch replacement; Heritage Tree removal = 2:1. Existing-tree preservation credits: Protected 1/2:1, Heritage 1:1. Fee-in-lieu available when replanting isn't feasible. Applies only to development projects per § 6.4.1.
Permits: 512-393-8230 · planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov
Read the ordinancePermit application
Sources we checked (9)
- https://sanmarcostx.gov/327/Tree-Brush-Ordinance
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2003/610s-Preservation-of-Trees-and-Other-Vegetation-PDF
- https://user-3vpeqil.cld.bz/ORD-2025-01-Development-Code-Effective-January-25-2025 (§§ 6.4.1 applicability, 6.4.2.4 classifications, 6.4.2.6 credits, 6.4.2.7 property-owner duties/oak wilt — pages 342–346)
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10089/CoSM-Tree-Mitigation-Table-2025-Revision-XLSX
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/384/Complete-Site-Preparation-Plan-Guideline
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9618/City-of-San-Marcos-Construction-Requirements-and-Notes---85-by-11-PDF (construction note 22: 9" DBH regulated-tree trigger)
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/78/Pruning-Guidelines-for-Oak-Wilt-Prevention-PDF
- https://sanmarcostx.gov/211/Community-Forestry-Program
- https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/2859/Code-Updates (Ord. 2025-01)
Sunset ValleySunset Valley § 150.771 (Protected + Heritage + Ancestral)
Permit required at 10″ DBH or larger. Heritage designation at 30″ DBH or larger.
Sunset Valley protects every tree 10 inches diameter or larger — one of the strictest thresholds in Central Texas. Heritage and Ancestral trees get additional protection, with Ancestral designation triggered at 30-inch diameter for large species or 15-inch for small species from the heritage list. A Tree Removal Permit application (one per tree, with photos) is required. Call Public Works at 512-891-9103 for an arborist site visit. Confirm current rules with Sunset Valley Public Works before removal.
Protected species: Heritage species list per § 150.771
Mitigation: Tree Removal Permit application required (one per tree, with photos); on-site certified arborist visit available.
Permits: 512-891-9103
The HillsOak-wilt trimming restriction (no DBH-based ordinance)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
The Hills does not have a dedicated tree-preservation ordinance with a DBH-based permit threshold. Ordinance 2018-04 (February 2018) prohibits oak trimming February through June to prevent oak wilt. For any tree work beyond this, there is no village permit requirement on a finished residential lot. Confirm current rules with Village Hall (512-261-6281) before oak work.
Protected species: Oaks (time-of-year trimming restriction only)
Permits: 512-261-6281
Uhland
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
No dedicated tree-protection ordinance found as of 2026-04-20. Uhland is a small city straddling the Hays–Caldwell county line with limited code content online. Hazardous-limb and nuisance-vegetation rules may apply under general nuisance provisions. Confirm current rules with Uhland City Hall before removal.
Permits:
VolenteVillage of Volente Site Development Tree Protection (Ch. 9)
Permit required at 6″ DBH or larger.
Volente's tree protection rules apply during construction and site development — any tree 6 inches caliper or larger within the construction area or proposed for removal must appear on an approved Tree Protection Control Plan. Restoration plans are required for all disturbed areas. On a finished residential lot with no active construction, routine tree work may be outside the trigger. Confirm current rules with Village of Volente before removal.
Protected species: All species (survey-based)
Mitigation: Per Tree Protection Control Plan; model plan available from Village. Restoration plans required for all disturbed areas.
Permits: 512-250-2075
WebbervilleLandscape ordinance only (2013) — no dedicated tree removal permit
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Webberville has a Landscape Ordinance (adopted 2013-06-11) and zoning ordinances (2005 + 2009 amendment) but no dedicated tree-preservation / removal-permit ordinance with DBH thresholds. Tree requirements are limited to what's in the landscape code for new development. Confirm current rules with the Village Commission (512-276-1865) at 19208 FM 969 #B, Webberville before removal.
Permits: 512-276-1865
West Lake HillsWest Lake Hills Division 9 Trees & Vegetation (§ 22.03.301)
Permit required at 6″ DBH or larger.
West Lake Hills has one of the strictest residential tree ordinances in Central Texas — any tree 6 inches in diameter or larger requires a city-issued removal permit (though the permit itself is generally free). Trees 10–14 inches and 14+ inches face progressively stricter review. Replacement with native, non-invasive species is required. Routine garden care, pruning of a single live tree, and removal of dead branches or piles of dead brush are exempt. Contact Alex Sanchez at 512-610-6836. Confirm current rules with West Lake Hills before removal.
Protected species: All species at 6"+ (species-specific review above thresholds)
Mitigation: Replacement with native, non-invasive species. Existing vegetation left undisturbed to maximum extent. Most permits free. Tiered review at <10", 10–14", 14"+.
Permits: 512-610-6836
WimberleyWimberley Code Ch. 9 Art. 9.02 Div. 5 (Other Tree Preservation and Landscape Regulations)
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Inside the City of Wimberley, private-lot tree removal is governed mostly at the subdivision-construction stage through § 9.02.153 of the municipal code, plus a village-wide oak-wilt policy that prohibits pruning any oak between February 1 and June 30. Properties along the Blanco River and Cypress Creek fall under riparian-area protection and should be extra-cautious with cypress, oak, pecan, and walnut removals. There is no single DBH-threshold removal permit indexed for finished homesites, so homeowner removals are primarily driven by the oak-wilt window and any subdivision-specific preservation plans recorded against the property. Contact Natural Resources Manager Bryce Burkhalter (512-847-0025 ext. 112) before removing anything substantial. Confirm current rules with the City of Wimberley before removal.
Protected species: Bald Cypress (riparian); Live Oak and all Oak species (oak-wilt pruning window); Pecan; Walnut; Other riparian and heritage species in Cypress Creek / Blanco River corridor
Mitigation: Oak tree pruning is prohibited February 1 through June 30 to prevent oak wilt (per city environmental stewardship policy; city maintains list of 'Oak Wilt Qualified' vendors). Tree-preservation requirements apply at subdivision-construction stage under § 9.02.153. No stand-alone private-lot removal-permit ordinance with a published DBH threshold is currently indexed; riparian-area rules apply on properties bordering the Blanco River or Cypress Creek. Ordinance No. 2024-25 amended the city code but covers historic landmarks, not trees (verified).
Permits: 512-847-0025 ext. 112 (Natural Resources); 512-660-9111 (Parks) · bburkhalter@cityofwimberley.com; parks@cityofwimberley.com
Sources we checked (7)
- https://library.municode.com/tx/wimberley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH9PLDERE_ART9.02SUCO_DIV5OREPALORE_S9.02.153OTEREPA
- https://library.municode.com/tx/wimberley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COWITE2023
- https://library.municode.com/tx/wimberley/codes/code_of_ordinances
- https://www.cityofwimberley.com/194/Environmental-Stewardship
- https://www.cityofwimberley.com/directory.aspx?EID=18
- https://wimberleyparksandrec.com/oak-wilt/
- https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/17105/1334058/pdf
WoodcreekWoodcreek Code Title IX (General Regulations) + oak-wilt pruning prohibition
No diameter-based removal permit on record.
Inside the City of Woodcreek, any oak tree pruning is prohibited city-wide from February 1 through June 30 to prevent oak wilt. Tree trimming of any kind requires a permit — trimming without a permit carries a fine, and trimming oaks during the prohibited window carries an additional fine on top of that. Woodcreek does not publish a standalone DBH-based removal ordinance for private lots; general regulations live in Title IX of the code. Because Woodcreek is a small incorporated village tight against the Blanco River, always check whether the property sits in a riparian or Hays County jurisdiction before clearing trees. Confirm current rules with the City of Woodcreek before removal.
Protected species: All Oak species (Live Oak, Red Oak, Post Oak, etc. — oak-wilt pruning window)
Mitigation: Oak trimming prohibited February 1 through June 30 (all oak species). Tree trimming requires a permit; fine for trimming without a permit, and an additional fine for trimming oaks during the prohibited window. No DBH-threshold private-lot removal ordinance published in the reviewed sources. Ordinance No. 22-299 appears in the Woodcreek ordinance archive.
Permits: 512-847-1821
Sources we checked (6)
- https://library.municode.com/tx/woodcreek/codes/code_of_ordinances
- https://library.municode.com/tx/woodcreek/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIXGERE
- https://library.municode.com/tx/woodcreek/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1135645
- https://www.woodcreektx.gov/community/page/resident-tree-care
- https://woodcreektx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/35
- https://texasoakwilt.org/community-tools/city-ordinances
What this page does not do
It matches on the municipality you pick, not on your address. Nothing here knows where your property line is. That distinction matters most inside Austin, where the city limit, the limited-purpose annexations and the two ETJ rings interleave street by street and none of them follows the postal address. If you are near one of those edges, the City Arborist can confirm which tier your parcel is in, and so can we — (512) 996-9100.
These summaries are ours, not the city’s. Every entry links to the authoritative ordinance and, where the city publishes one, the application and the fee schedule. Read the ordinance before you rely on the summary, and confirm with the city before anything comes down.