Residential Tree Permits
What You Need to Know About Heritage Tree Laws and Austin Arborists
Remodeling, landscaping, or adding an addition to your home?
If there are large trees in your yard, Tree Protection Regulations affect you.
Many cities, including Austin, have tree protection statutes. These laws preserve the beauty and natural resources of Central Texas.
Before you build, you need to know about Tree Protection Regulations. Which kinds of trees are included? Do you need a permit to remove a tree that’s in the way? How will this affect your project?
Austin Arborists Experienced in Tree Permits
Tree assessments, tree permits, and tree removal.
Getting a pre-construction visit from one of our Austin arborists will save you time, money, and preserve your valuable trees. While you’re in the planning stage of your project, call Heritage Tree Care for your consultation.
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Important facts about the Tree Ordinance
These rules apply only to large trees.
- Measure four and one-half feet up from the ground.
- Use a flexible tape to measure around the tree. This is the circumference.
- Divide the circumference by 3.1416 to get the diameter.
- 19 inches to 23 inches-it’s a Protected Tree
- 23 inches and more- a Heritage Tree
A rough guide—if a person five and a half feet tall can barely reach around the trunk, it’s about 60 inches around with a 19-inch diameter.
I have Protected trees on my property. What does that mean?
- All trees, eight inches and over, must be shown on a mandatory Site Plan.
- If you have Protected or Heritage trees, you must apply for a Tree Review.
- You must protect the Critical Root Zone (CRZ). For instance, the CRZ of an Oak with a 20-inch diameter extends 20 feet around the tree.
- You can’t remove these trees without approval or remove over 25% of their canopy.
- If a protected tree is too diseased or damaged to be saved, you need a permit to remove it.
Large trees — it’s wise to call a Certified Arborist for an assessment.
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Heritage Tree Care provides tree assessments based on existing tree surveys from licensed surveyors.
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Heritage Tree Care is familiar with complicated regulations.
- Our arborists can identify which trees should be preserved and how to make your design work.
- Cities often require a plan describing how you will protect the Critical Root Zone. We can provide a tree care plan which meets this requirement.
Residential Tree Care Experts
Pruning
Expert tree trimming to shape, maintain, and enhance the beauty, health, and safety of your trees.
Removal
Experienced, safety-conscious tree removal and careful clean up after the job.
Health Care
Certified arborists assess your trees and provide the essentials for flourishing growth.
Planting
Beautify your yard with trees selected for Central Texas and planted by professionals.
Risk Assessment
Expert arborists evaluate your trees for health and safety and make care recommendations.
Permitting
We have the experience to help you comply with all Tree Protection regulations and permits.
Emergency Tree Services
Storm damage, fallen limbs, tree collapse—call for expert help with removal or repair.
Consulting
Our expert arborists provide evaluation, appraisals, and reporting.
Heritage Tree Care is the tree service expert in your Central Texas community. We service Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Gonzales, Hyde Park, Kyle, Lockhart, Rollingwood, San Marcos, Smithville, Westlake Hills, Wimberly, and all surrounding areas.
