How to apply for a tree removal permit in Round Rock, Texas

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

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Heritage trees (24+ inches DBH) receive enhanced protection. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees: 24+ inches DBH of qualifying native Central Texas species (live oak, post oak, cedar elm, pecan, bald cypress, bur oak).

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Round Rock: Property owner or authorized agent with ISA Certified Arborist assessment.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, canopy dripline, retention plan, mitigation calculation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Planning and Development Services. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/departments/planning-and-development-services.

    View the full Round Rock ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees. On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible.

Where to file

Planning and Development Services

(512) 218-5428

Other Texas permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Round Rock permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment