Tree & Landscape Rules to Know Before You Remodel

Planning a remodel in Dallas? Before you pour a slab, move a driveway, or dig for a pool, the city’s tree and landscape rules can shape your timeline and budget. You want your project to move smoothly, protect your property, and avoid surprise fees. In this guide, you’ll learn when Dallas typically requires tree surveys, protection plans, and removal approvals, plus practical steps to stay compliant and on schedule. Let’s dive in.

What Dallas regulates and where to check

Dallas uses its Development Code, often referenced as Article X and related sections, to preserve tree canopy, protect public safety, and require mitigation when protected trees are removed. These rules apply to development, redevelopment, and many exterior projects on single-family lots when work affects trees or their root zones.

Exact definitions and thresholds live in the Dallas Development Code and municipal guidance from the City of Dallas. That is where you’ll find what counts as a “protected” tree, diameter thresholds, what qualifies as land-disturbing activity, survey requirements, permit types, mitigation formulas, exemptions, and penalties. The code is updated periodically, so confirm current requirements and consult the city’s permitting office or an ISA-certified arborist for site-specific advice.

Common triggers on single-family lots

You are likely to encounter tree and landscape requirements when your project includes:

• Additions or new construction that expands the building footprint or increases impervious cover.
• Driveways, patios, hardscape, and walkways where grading or excavation occurs.
• Pools, retaining walls, or substantial grading within tree root zones.
• Full or partial redevelopment such as teardown/rebuilds, lot regrading, or replatting.
• Demolition or site work that disturbs soil over defined threshold areas.
• Planned tree removals where a tree may be protected by size or heritage status.

If any of these apply, expect to coordinate tree information and protection measures as part of your permit package.

What you may need to submit

Tree survey and arborist inventory

The city commonly expects a tree survey or arborist inventory when work could affect trees. This plan documents each tree’s location, species, diameter at breast height (DBH), condition, and critical root zones. It identifies trees to retain or remove so the city can evaluate protection and mitigation needs.

Tree protection plan

A tree protection plan shows protective fencing, no-disturb areas, grade-change limits, and preservation methods such as root pruning. The city may require you to install fencing and pass a pre-construction inspection before grading or staging begins.

Tree removal approval

If you intend to remove protected trees, you typically need city approval or a removal permit. This is often tied to your building or site permit and must be secured before removal. Removal of dead or hazardous trees may be exempt in some cases, but documentation or confirmation is usually required.

Landscape plan and mitigation commitments

When protected trees are removed, you will often submit a landscape plan that shows replacement plantings or how you will meet mitigation requirements. The city may allow off-site mitigation or a fee when on-site replacement is not practical, but you will need to show your proposed approach during plan review.

Site and grading details

In some projects, the city may ask for an engineered site plan that shows grading limits, utilities, and drainage in relation to tree locations. Clear drawings help reviewers confirm that root zones will be protected and that preservation measures are feasible.

Mitigation basics in Dallas

On-site replacement

The most common form of mitigation is replanting. The code typically converts removed DBH or canopy value into a required number and size of new trees. Replacement species, spacing, and planting size often must meet city standards.

Fee-in-lieu or off-site options

If you cannot fit required plantings on your lot, the city may allow off-site mitigation or a fee into an urban forestry fund. This approach keeps your project moving when space is limited but should be budgeted early.

Credits and preservation incentives

Healthy trees you preserve may count as credits that offset removals or landscaping requirements. Preserving larger, healthy trees can reduce mitigation costs and protect the look and value of your property.

Heritage and specimen trees

Heritage or specimen trees usually trigger higher mitigation. That can mean larger or multiple replacement trees or a higher fee. Confirm the current thresholds and formulas in the code before finalizing your design.

Budget implications

Mitigation can add cost and time to a project. Plan for plant materials, installation, and potential fees. The earlier you understand your likely mitigation, the more accurately you can forecast total project costs.

Step-by-step compliance checklist

1. Pre-design

• Walk the site and note all sizable trees and their proximity to planned work.
• Review Dallas Development Code Article X and related sections to see which activities and tree sizes are regulated.

2. Early design

• If your work affects root zones or includes large nearby trees, commission a tree survey or arborist report early. This prevents costly plan changes later.

3. Permit application

• Submit the tree survey, tree protection plan, and any required landscape plan with your building or site permit application. Combining submittals helps the city review your project in context.

4. Plan review

• Respond quickly to city comments. Be ready to adjust protection fencing, refine grading limits, or commit to mitigation if removals are necessary.

5. Pre-construction

• Install required protection measures. Expect a pre-construction inspection to verify fencing is in place before earthwork or staging starts.

6. During construction

• Keep no-disturb zones clear. No storing materials, parking, or stockpiling soil inside fencing. Follow root-sensitive methods where work near trees is unavoidable.

7. Post-construction

• Complete final inspections. Verify replacement plantings and any fee payments. Keep records for your own files and future resale disclosures.

Inspections, timing, and penalties

Plan for several weeks of added time when tree surveys, protection plans, or removal approvals are required. Simple clarifications can take a few days to a couple of weeks, while complex requests or variances can take months. Start your tree analysis in the design phase to avoid schedule slip.

Cities commonly perform a pre-construction inspection to confirm fencing, may inspect during construction if concerns arise, and complete a final inspection for compliance and replacement plantings. If you remove a protected tree without approval or violate protection measures, enforcement can include stop-work orders, fines, required additional plantings, or civil penalties.

Design moves that save trees and time

• Shift the addition or garage footprint to keep critical root zones intact.
• Choose pier-and-beam or raised foundations near significant trees where feasible.
• Use permeable paving or lighter-weight deck systems instead of large impervious slabs.
• Route utilities and drainage away from root zones.
• Where you must work near roots, plan air excavation, hand digging, or arborist-guided root pruning.

Each of these choices can reduce mitigation needs and preserve the look and feel of your landscape.

Pre-project homeowner checklist

• Review Article X and tree preservation sections in the Dallas Development Code; confirm recent amendments.
• Identify and document all trees that may meet the city’s protected size or status.
• Hire an ISA-certified arborist for a preliminary survey if work is near root zones or large trees.
• Flag potential conflicts early and explore layout shifts or alternative materials.
• Include protection fencing and, if needed, arborist monitoring in contractor scopes and bid packages.

When to escalate or appeal

If the city denies a removal request or sets a mitigation amount you believe is not feasible, you can usually pursue a formal appeal or variance. Expect to provide additional documentation such as arborist reports and an alternative mitigation plan. Build extra time into your schedule for this process.

How this affects your sale or purchase

If you are remodeling before selling, tree compliance can affect when you bring your home to market and how you budget for make-ready work. For buyers, due diligence on recent or in-progress work should include asking for any tree surveys, protection plans, and final inspection records. Clear documentation helps avoid surprises after closing and supports long-term landscape health.

Your remodel choices also influence curb appeal and value. Preserving mature trees can enhance shade, visual character, and buyer interest, while smart mitigation shows careful stewardship of the property.

Ready to talk through your options and timeline in the context of your broader real estate goals? Request a complimentary neighborhood consultation with Unknown Company.

FAQs

What Dallas tree rules apply to a single-family remodel?

• Dallas regulates exterior work that affects trees or their root zones. You may need a tree survey, protection plan, and removal approval if you expand footprints, add hardscape, grade near roots, or remove protected trees.

When do I need a tree survey in Dallas?

• A survey is commonly required when your project could impact trees, such as additions, pools, driveway changes, grading, or removal of trees that may be protected by size or status.

Can I remove a dead or hazardous tree without a permit?

• Many cities allow emergency or hazardous removals, but you usually need documentation or confirmation, and replacement or mitigation may still apply. Check current Dallas code before acting.

What is mitigation for tree removal in Dallas?

• Mitigation typically means replanting replacement trees or paying a fee when on-site planting is not feasible. Preserved trees may earn credits that offset requirements.

How long will tree-related reviews add to my project timeline?

• Simple reviews can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Tree surveys, protection plan reviews, removals tied to permits, or variances can add several weeks or, for complex cases, months.

What happens if I remove a protected tree without approval?

• The city can issue stop-work orders, fines, require additional plantings, or assess civil penalties. Always verify requirements and obtain approvals before removal.