Local Guide · Tree services and arborists · Texas
What should Texans know before hiring a tree service?
Texas doesn't license tree services, but city tree ordinances and state limits on tree fees matter, and oak wilt season shapes when to prune. Here is what to check.
Texas has no tree service license, so look for ISA certification and insurance. Check your city's tree rules: Austin requires permits for trees 19 inches and larger. State law bars city tree mitigation fees for trees under 10 inches at your existing home and requires planting credits where fees apply. Avoid pruning oaks from February through June.
Who licenses tree services and arborists providers in Texas
No state tree service license in Texas (ISA certification is voluntary). Texas does not license tree trimmers or arborists. The International Society of Arboriculture's Certified Arborist credential is the common voluntary credential and can be verified online. City tree ordinances, such as Austin's, regulate removal of large trees.
Verify an ISA credential →Key facts for Texas
- Texas bars cities from charging a tree mitigation fee for trees under 10 inches in diameter at an owner's existing one- or two-family home.
- Texas cities that charge tree mitigation fees must allow applications for tree planting credits.
- To qualify for a Texas planting credit, a planted tree must be at least two inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground.
- For an owner's existing one- or two-family home, the Texas planting credit equals the full tree mitigation fee.
- Austin requires a tree permit to remove or impact trees 19 inches and larger.
- Texas A&M Forest Service says oak wilt spreads most easily in spring and advises painting oak wounds at any time of year.
- Texas A&M Forest Service says Austin, Dallas, Houston and other cities have oak wilt programs.
What do Texas tree fee laws say?
Local Government Code 212.905 bars cities from charging tree mitigation fees for trees under 10 inches in diameter at an owner's existing one- or two-family home. Where fees apply, cities must offer planting credits, and for an existing home the credit can equal the full fee.
Which cities regulate tree removal?
Many large cities do. Austin requires permits for trees 19 inches and larger. Houston protects trees within the building setback line (Houston Permitting Center). Call your city before removing a large tree.
When should oaks be pruned?
The Texas A&M Forest Service says to avoid pruning or wounding oaks from February through June, and to paint fresh oak wounds immediately at any time of year. Several cities, including Austin, Dallas and Houston, run oak wilt programs.
How to choose a provider in Texas
- Verify ISA certification.
- Ask for liability insurance.
- Check your city's tree ordinance.
- Avoid pruning oaks from February through June.
- Ask that oak wounds be painted.
- Get the scope and cleanup plan in writing.
Tree services and arborists in Texas cities
Questions people ask
Is there a Texas tree service license?
No.
Can my city charge a fee to remove a small tree at my house?
Not for trees under 10 inches in diameter at your existing one- or two-family home.
Can I get a credit for replanting?
Cities that charge tree mitigation fees must offer planting credits.
When should I avoid pruning oaks?
February through June.
Should oak pruning cuts be painted?
Yes, at any time of year, Texas A&M Forest Service says.
Does Austin regulate tree removal?
Yes, for trees 19 inches and larger.
Sources
- Texas Local Government Code 212.905, regulation of tree removal
- City of Austin, Tree Reviews and Permitting
- Houston Permitting Center, Top 10 Things to Know About Permitting (March 2024)
- Texas A&M Forest Service, Prevent the spread of oak wilt in Texas this spring
- International Society of Arboriculture, Verify a Credential
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
