Understanding Austin Tree Removal Permits: What Homeowners Need to Know
Not every tree on your property is yours to remove without a sign-off from the City. Austin's Tree Ordinance, administered by the City Arborist Program within the Development Services Department, classifies certain trees as regulated, protected, or heritage based on trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground — a measurement commonly called DBH (diameter at breast height).
As a general rule, a Protected Tree is one with a DBH of 19 inches or more. Certain high-value species — including all oak species, Texas Ash, Bald Cypress, American Elm, Cedar Elm, Texas Madrone, Bigtooth Maple, Pecan, Arizona Walnut, and Eastern Black Walnut — receive even stronger protection once they reach 24 inches DBH, classifying them as Heritage Trees. Removing a Protected or Heritage tree without the required permit is a violation of city code and can result in fines. Removing, or even significantly impacting, a tree in either category typically requires a permit before any work begins, and skipping that step can lead to real fines.
If you're planning a removal, the practical first step is simple: measure the trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above grade and identify the species. If it's anywhere near these thresholds, it's worth confirming requirements with the City Arborist Program before scheduling work — even for a dead or hazardous tree, since some exceptions still involve a notification step.
This is where we come in on the practical side: our crew can help you measure and get a read on whether a tree likely falls under city regulation, and once any required permit is in hand — or if the tree falls outside protected thresholds entirely — we handle the safe removal, trimming, and full cleanup. For the official permit determination itself, we always point homeowners to the City Arborist Program directly.
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