Which Trees Are Covered
The City Arborist page sets the sizes. Diameter is measured 4.5 feet above the ground.
- A protected tree is 19 inches or more across
- A heritage tree is 24 inches or more and a listed species, which includes all oaks, pecan, cedar elm and bald cypress
- Trees under 19 inches are not regulated on house lots
The Root Zone Rings
The city rules for trees on residential property work in rings around the trunk.
| Ring | Limit |
|---|---|
| Inner quarter of the root zone | No impact |
| Inner half | 4 inches of cut or fill at most |
| Full root zone | Half stays untouched |
What That Means For A Deck
A deck or pergola on a few small footings disturbs far less ground than a solid floor, so it can often sit closer to a big tree. Footings still have to stay out of the inner quarter of the root zone.
When A Tree Review Is Needed
A review is needed to remove a regulated tree, to prune 25 percent or more of its canopy, or to start work that may disturb its root zone. On a job with a building permit, the tree review runs with the plan review.