College Station Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Brazos County, Texas

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

8.0" DBH minimum for protection

Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH of qualifying species) receive enhanced protection.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak, bald cypress).

Permit Requirements

Tree Preservation Plan and Tree Survey required during site development plan review. Tree removal permits required for protected and heritage trees outside approved activity.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, canopy dripline, retention plan, mitigation calculation

Replacement Requirements

Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees

On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

College Station Unified Development Ordinance Section 7.6 (Landscaping and Tree Protection)

View full ordinance

Contact

Planning and Development Services

(979) 764-3570

Other Texas cities

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with College Station before submitting permits or reports.

See Texas replacement obligations compared: How College Station's replacement ratio ranks in Texas →

Need an arborist report for College Station?

Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for College Station's specific permit requirements.