Trees
Austin, TX · City rule · Reviewed 2026-09-28
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.
Official source: City ArboristSource checked 2026-09-26
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More about this rule
The rule in plain language
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.
Common follow-up questions
Is every oak or pecan a Heritage Tree?
No. An oak or pecan must be at least 24 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above the ground, to meet Austin's Heritage Tree definition.
What is a Protected Tree?
Any tree species with a diameter of 19 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above the ground, is a Protected Tree in Austin. A permit is required for removal unless a City Code exception applies.
Can I prune a regulated tree?
Pruning that removes more than 25% of a regulated tree's canopy requires a permit.
Can I trim my neighbor's branches over my property?
Austin describes this as a civil matter between property owners. It says landowners typically may remove vegetation that crosses their property line, but a regulated tree still cannot lose more than 25% of its canopy without a permit.
When do I use a Tree Ordinance Review Application?
Tree review normally happens with the residential building permit when the work is development-related. For regulated-tree impacts caused by utilities, disease, or other non-development conditions, use a Tree Ordinance Review Application.
Does Austin's Tree Ordinance apply in the ETJ?
No. The ordinance applies in Austin's Full and Limited Purpose jurisdictions, but not in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
What to keep in mind
For regulated trees, removing more than 25% of the canopy requires a permit. Tree review happens with the residential building permit when the work is development-related; otherwise, a Tree Ordinance Review Application is required. Austin's ordinance applies in the city's Full and Limited Purpose jurisdictions, not its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Official source
City Arborist
City rule: City of Austin · retrieved-2026-09-26 · Source checked 2026-09-26 · Reviewed 2026-09-28
Civic education, not legal advice. Rules can change.
