Fort Worth Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
Tarrant County, Texas
Protected Tree Definition
Protected tree: any tree 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Significant trees 18+ inches DBH and Legacy trees 30+ inches DBH require enhanced mitigation ratios.
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Significant trees: 18+ inches DBH. Legacy trees: 30+ inches DBH of eligible native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak).
Permit Requirements
Urban Forestry Plan and Tree Survey required as part of development plat, site plan, or building permit. Legacy and significant trees require enhanced preservation review.
Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report
Required Report Sections
Tree survey showing species, DBH, condition, canopy dripline, retention/removal status, mitigation calculation
Replacement Requirements
Caliper-inch mitigation: 1:1 for protected trees, 2:1 for significant, 3:1 for legacy
On-site replacement preferred; payment to Urban Forestry Fund when infeasible.
Fees & Fines
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Required Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Code
Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6 Article 3 (Urban Forestry)
View full ordinanceContact
Development Services - Urban Forestry
(817) 392-8000
Nearby Cities in Tarrant County
Other Texas cities
Compare with nearby cities
Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Fort Worth before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Fort Worth →
See Texas replacement obligations compared: How Fort Worth's replacement ratio ranks in Texas →
See Texas heritage criteria compared: How Fort Worth's heritage designation ranks in Texas →
Need an arborist report for Fort Worth?
Start your free TRAQ tree risk assessment — designed for Fort Worth's specific permit requirements.