How to apply for a tree removal permit in Fort Worth, Texas

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Fort Worth's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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 designation: Significant trees: 18+ inches DBH. Legacy trees: 30+ inches DBH of eligible native species (post oak, live oak, pecan, cedar elm, bur oak).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Fort Worth: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey showing species, DBH, condition, canopy dripline, retention/removal status, mitigation calculation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Development Services - Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/urban-forestry.

    View the full Fort Worth ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Development Services - Urban Forestry

(817) 392-8000

Other Texas permit walkthroughs

See Texas replacement obligations compared — how Fort Worth's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Texas heritage criteria compared — how Fort Worth's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Fort Worth permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Fort Worth's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment