Navigating Tree Removal Permits in Fort Worth: Your Complete Guide to Regulations, Requirements, and Expert Assistance

Planning to remove a tree from your Fort Worth property? Understanding the city’s permit requirements can save you from costly violations and ensure your project proceeds smoothly. Fort Worth strengthened its tree protection ordinances in April 2025, making expert guidance more valuable than ever for homeowners in neighborhoods where mature trees are common like Westover Hills and Tanglewood.

Key Takeaways

• April 2025 ordinance updates increased penalties to $720 per inch of diameter for unauthorized oak removal and $1,200 per inch for other protected trees.
• Single-family properties under one acre can remove one dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous tree without permits.
• Winter applications offer timing advantages for oak wilt prevention and faster processing during the dormant season.
• ISA Certified Arborists can streamline permit applications and provide required assessments that satisfy city requirements.

Crane-assisted removal ensures safe, efficient tree removal while protecting nearby structures and meeting Fort Worth permit requirements.

What Are Fort Worth’s Updated Tree Protection Requirements?

Fort Worth’s April 2025 ordinance updates protect 47 tree species (up from 26) and nearly doubled violation penalties to $720-$1,200 per inch of diameter as part of the city’s goal to achieve 30% tree canopy coverage by 2050. The city council approved tighter tree protections that nearly doubled the protected species list from 26 to 47 trees, with special emphasis on native post oak and blackjack oak preservation.

Which Trees Are Protected Under the New Ordinance?

Fort Worth requires permits for trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater for most species, with special protections for post oak and blackjack oak trees at 18 inches DBH when located east of Interstate Highway 35W.

The updated ordinance provides special protections for post oak and blackjack oak trees, requiring preservation of 50% of their canopy coverage during development projects, up from the previous 25% requirement. This change reflects these species being “extremely hard” to breed according to city officials.

In neighborhoods like Westover Hills, where sprawling estates feature mature hardwoods dating back to the 1930s, many trees easily exceed these thresholds. Similarly, Tanglewood’s native oak and pecan trees often require permits for removal due to their substantial size and ecological significance near the Trinity River.

What Makes a Tree Qualify for Heritage Protection?

Fort Worth designates certain trees as Heritage trees based on unusual size, age, species, or historical significance. These trees receive the highest level of protection and typically cannot be removed except in extraordinary circumstances involving public safety. Heritage tree designations require special city approval processes and often involve public notification requirements.

When Does Tree Removal in Fort Worth Require a Permit?

Tree removal in Fort Worth generally requires a permit unless you meet the city’s single-family exemption for lots under one acre. Property owners who remove one dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous tree may do so without a permit, but Heritage and significant trees are never exempt.

That means anything outside of this limited exemption – including the situations below – requires a permit:

• Trees on properties larger than one acre
• Trees on multi-unit residential properties
• Any significant tree (24+ inches DBH, or 18+ inches for post/blackjack oaks east of I-35W)
• Heritage trees with historical or community significance
• Any tree removal associated with construction or development requiring building permits
• Trees 6 inches or greater in diameter when part of development projects

In neighborhoods like Arlington Heights, the dense urban environment often means tree removal affects neighboring properties, requiring additional documentation and neighbor notifications as part of the permit process.

Professional equipment and ISA Certified Arborists ensure Fort Worth tree removals meet all municipal requirements and safety standards.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit in Fort Worth

Applying for a tree removal permit in Fort Worth requires detailed documentation to verify the tree’s condition, location, and removal justification. The city reviews this information carefully to ensure compliance with its Urban Forestry Ordinance.

To submit a complete permit application, property owners must include:

• Scaled property map showing all trees on site and their locations
• Detailed photographs illustrating the tree’s condition and proximity to structures
• Species identification and accurate diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) measurements
• Written justification for removal, such as disease, structural instability, or construction conflict
• ISA Certified Arborist assessment for significant trees documenting health, risk level, and removal necessity
• If removal would reduce tree canopy by more than 75%, an Urban Forestry Permit is required with a comprehensive canopy management plan.

Why Should You Use an ISA Certified Arborist for Permit Applications?

ISA Certified Arborists provide several application advantages. Their professional assessments carry significant weight with city reviewers, often expediting approval for justified removals. These specialists understand proper documentation techniques, ensuring applications include all required information to avoid delays. They can also identify alternatives to removal, such as pruning or cabling, that might satisfy both safety concerns and city preservation goals.

When choosing the right tree removal company for your Fort Worth project, prioritize those with ISA Certified Arborists who can handle both permits and professional removal services.

“Navigating Fort Worth’s updated tree ordinances requires expertise that only comes from years of local experience. Our ISA Certified Arborists understand both the technical requirements and the neighborhood-specific challenges that can make or break a permit application.” – Daniel Garcia, Arbor Advisor at Arbor Masters

How Long Do Fort Worth Tree Removal Permits Take to Process?

Most Fort Worth tree removal permits are processed within 10–15 business days. Applications that involve multiple significant or Heritage trees may take longer. Urban Forestry Permits tied to development projects usually need 3–4 weeks because they require review by several city departments.

Delays are common when applications are incomplete. The most frequent issues include:

• Missing or unclear photos showing tree location in relation to buildings or property lines
• Inaccurate or incomplete site maps
• Weak or missing justification for removal, especially for healthy significant trees

Submitting thorough documentation upfront helps avoid review delays and potential denial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal Permits in Fort Worth

Can I appeal a permit denial, and what’s the process?

Yes, Fort Worth allows appeals of permit denials through the city council. You must file a written appeal with the director within 10 calendar days of the initial decision. Appeals typically require additional documentation or expert assessments to address the denial reasons. ISA Certified Arborists can help strengthen your appeal by providing professional tree health evaluations or alternative preservation strategies.

What happens if I start tree removal work before my permit is approved?

Fort Worth immediately suspends all permits and permit applications for your property until civil penalties are fully paid. This means any ongoing construction or development projects must stop completely until violations are resolved. The city may also issue stop-work orders that legally prevent any further site work.

Are there alternatives to tree removal that satisfy Fort Worth’s safety requirements?

Many situations that seem to require removal can be addressed through professional tree care alternatives. Crown reduction, structural pruning, cabling and bracing systems, or soil improvement can often resolve safety concerns while preserving valuable trees. These alternatives may satisfy permit requirements when removal justification is questionable, and they typically cost less than removal plus penalties.

How do Fort Worth’s new penalties compare to surrounding cities?

Fort Worth’s updated penalties are among the most aggressive in North Texas. While Arlington and Plano impose fines of $200-500 per tree, Fort Worth’s $1,200 per diameter inch means a single 30-inch tree violation costs $36,000. This makes Fort Worth’s penalties roughly 10-20 times higher than most neighboring municipalities, reflecting the city’s serious commitment to tree preservation.

What documentation should I gather before calling an arborist for a permit consultation?

Prepare recent photographs showing the tree’s location relative to structures and property lines, any previous tree assessments or reports, property surveys or site plans, and documentation of any damage or safety concerns. If the tree is causing foundation or utility issues, gather contractor reports or engineer assessments. This preparation helps arborists provide accurate permit guidance and cost estimates during initial consultations.

ISA Certified Arborists provide the professional assessments and documentation required for Fort Worth tree removal permits.

For Expert Permit Assistance, Call Arbor Masters

Don’t risk thousands of dollars in fines for removing a single tree without proper permits. Arbor Masters’ ISA Certified Arborists handle all Fort Worth permit requirements, turning a complex bureaucratic process into a streamlined solution that protects both your trees and your wallet.

With over 60 years of local experience, we know exactly what Fort Worth reviewers require for fast approval. Our comprehensive tree removal services include permit assistance, ensuring full compliance from assessment to removal.

Ready to move forward safely and legally? Call Arbor Masters at 469-586-5829 or request a free estimate today.