Glossary
Heritage Tree (Austin)
In Austin, a tree 24 inches or more in diameter of a listed species, whose removal is prohibited except under narrow circumstances.
Austin's tree ordinance distinguishes protected trees — 19 inches or more in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground, whose removal requires a permit under City Code 25-8-621 — from heritage trees, which are 24 inches or more in diameter and belong to a listed species: Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, pecan, Arizona walnut, eastern black walnut, or any oak. Heritage tree removal is prohibited except under the limited provisions of 25-8-641. The design consequence is real: a heritage oak sitting where the truck court needs to go is a redesign rather than a fee. Thresholds and protected species differ in other Central Texas jurisdictions — confirm the local ordinance.
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