Tree Service in San Marcos, TX

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.