How are tree removal laws different in Austin, TX vs Dallas, TX?
Can I remove a tree?
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Reviewed answer
Can I remove a tree?
Austin, TX
Reviewed
Austin, TX city rule
A Heritage Tree is at least 24 inches in diameter and is a Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, any oak, pecan, Arizona walnut, or eastern black walnut.
Oak and pecan trees count as Heritage Trees only when they reach the 24-inch diameter threshold, measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Austin also treats every tree species 19 inches or larger as a Protected Tree. A permit is required to remove a Protected Tree, and removing a Heritage Tree is prohibited unless a City Code exception applies.
City Arborist ↗retrieved-2026-09-26 · Source checked 2026-09-26 · Reviewed 2026-09-28
Dallas, TX
Reviewed
Dallas, TX city rule
For an occupied single-family or duplex lot under two acres in a residential district, Dallas generally does not require a tree-removal permit; other properties generally require a tree-removal application or building permit first.
The city's homeowner guide describes that under-two-acre residential-use exemption from urban forest conservation rules. Vacant lots, larger lots, other uses, and trees affected by demolition or construction can fall under the permitting and protection requirements.
Educational information only. Verify current rules with the linked official source. Taxing boundaries, zoning overlays, and the facts of a specific situation can change the result.
