Fort Worth Tree Pruning and Removal Ordinance

In Fort Worth, Texas, city rules govern pruning, maintenance, and removal of trees on public right-of-way and on private property where development or city permits apply. This guide summarizes who enforces tree work, when permits or notices are commonly required, how the city schedules pruning or removals on public trees, and the practical steps residents and contractors must follow to request work or report hazardous trees.

Overview of City Authority and Scope

The City of Fort Worth delegates tree care on public land to its forestry or parks divisions and enforces tree-related rules through Code Compliance for private-property violations tied to development, public safety, or protected trees. Rules may come from the municipal code, specific tree protection ordinances, or departmental administrative rules; exact controlling sections and fee schedules are published on official city pages referenced in Resources.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically handled by Code Compliance and the city forestry or parks division. Where the municipal code or departmental pages state penalties or procedures, those specifics apply; where a page does not list amounts or schedules, this guide notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page.

• Fines: not specified on the cited page for general tree removal and pruning fines in the consolidated city pages.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal or restoration orders, civil penalties, and court actions may be used; specific remedies vary by ordinance or administrative rule.
• Enforcer and inspection: City of Fort Worth Code Compliance and the city forestry/parks division conduct inspections and issue notices; appeals and review routes are handled through the department administrative appeals process or municipal court depending on the action.
• Appeals and time limits: specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page; follow the notice or municipal court paperwork shown on the official enforcement notice.
• Common violations: unauthorized removal of protected trees, pruning that harms tree health, work in the public right-of-way without prior coordination. Penalties for these violations are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Permit names, application forms, and fees for tree removal or permits are published on the city's official pages for urban forestry, planning, or building/permits. If a specific form or fee is not shown on a department page, it is noted as not specified on the cited page; contact the listed department for the current application and fee schedule.

How the City Schedules Pruning and Removal

Public-tree pruning and removals are typically scheduled by the city's forestry or parks crews based on routine maintenance cycles, hazardous-tree reports, storm damage, development projects, and approved permit activity. Residents can report hazardous or fallen trees to the city's reporting line or online service request portal; response priority is set by risk to life, property, and public thoroughfares.

• Routine pruning schedule: set by the forestry division; exact cycle timing is not specified on the cited page.
• Emergency response: higher priority for trees presenting immediate public safety hazards.
• Requests: submit via the city's service request portal or phone contact listed in Resources.

Action Steps for Residents and Contractors

• Before work: check the municipal code and city tree pages, and contact the forestry or permits office to confirm whether a permit is required.
• Report hazards: use the city service request portal or emergency number for trees that threaten safety.
• If authorized, follow city-approved pruning standards and qualified-utility/contractor rules where applicable.
• Pay fines or fees as specified on the official notice or permit invoice; if an amount is not listed, the official pages should be consulted.

FAQ

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

Permit requirements depend on whether the tree is protected by a city tree protection ordinance, is within a development permit area, or affects the public right-of-way; check the city tree and planning pages or contact Code Compliance.

Who do I call for a fallen tree blocking the street?

Report it to the city service request portal or the listed emergency contact for public works; if immediate danger exists, call emergency services first.

Can I trim a tree that overhangs the sidewalk?

Property owners are generally responsible for pruning limbs that overhang their property, but work in the public right-of-way or impacting public trees requires city coordination; confirm with the forestry division.

How-To

1. Identify the tree location and determine whether it is on public right-of-way or private property.
2. Check the City of Fort Worth tree and permits pages for applicable rules and forms.
3. Submit a service request or permit application to the appropriate department with photos and location details.
4. If approved, hire a qualified arborist or follow city standards to perform pruning or removal.
5. If you receive a notice or fine, follow the appeal instructions on the notice promptly.

Key Takeaways

• Contact the city before removing trees that may affect public right-of-way or protected specimens.
• Permit, fee, and fine details are published on official city pages; some specific amounts may be not specified on public pages.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances (Municode)
• City of Fort Worth Code Compliance
• Fort Worth Parks and Recreation Department / Urban Forestry
• City of Fort Worth Transportation / Public Works