Check Austin's tree rules before you cut or prune

Short answer

Austin protects trees by size and species, and the wrong cut can mean a violation even on your own lot. The check takes minutes: size the tree, name the work, and the city's tree-review path says whether a permit or review comes first.

Who this is for

Austin property owners planning to remove a tree, prune heavily, or do construction near a large tree's root zone.

The steps, in order

1. Measure the trunk diameter at about 4.5 feet up.
2. Note the species if you know it and the work planned.
3. We check the city's residential tree rules for that size and work.
4. If review is required, ATX files the application question before any cutting.

Have this ready

• Trunk diameter
• Species if known
• What work you plan
• Whether construction is involved

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting first and asking later; unpermitted removal of a protected tree brings real penalties.
• Counting only the trunk; root-zone digging near a protected tree also triggers review.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my Austin property?

Trees at or above the protected diameter (19 inches for most species) need city review before removal, with narrower rules for heritage trees. Smaller trees usually do not.

What if the tree is dead or dangerous?

Dead and imminently hazardous trees have a faster path, but documentation still matters. Photograph and measure before removal and file the review question anyway.

Official source

• Austin trees on residential property

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

Related

• Building an ADU in Austin: zoning, permits, rental rules
• How to look up an Austin permit