Tree work rules in Texas
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 23, 2026
Licensing
Tree removal permits
Texas law bars tree mitigation fees for trees under 10 inches measured 4.5 feet up on an owner-occupied one- or two-family lot, bars bans or fees for dead, diseased or hazardous trees, and requires planting credits. Cities keep their other tree rules.2-3
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
Texas law keeps people and tools 6 feet from lines over 600 volts. The line operator has to be notified at least 48 hours before anyone works closer.4
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
Any pesticide applied to trees, ornamentals or lawns for hire needs a Texas Department of Agriculture license: Ag Pest Category 3A Landscape Maintenance, or Structural Pest Control Service Lawn and Ornamental.6
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in Texas
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in Texas
Texas has 1,444 tree service companies listed, and 355 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in Texas.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/tx/rules/