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Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Mansfield, TX?

Updated October 26, 2026 · Based on the City of Mansfield Code of Ordinances, Chapter 99, as published online. This is not legal advice.

Mansfield's tree rules are in Chapter 99 of the city's Code of Ordinances, the Natural Resources Management Ordinance (Ord. 1220, passed 7-27-98; amended 2010). We quote the code directly where wording matters.

The basic rule (§ 99.15)

"No person, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove or move or effectively destroy through damaging any protected tree situated on property regulated by this chapter without first obtaining a tree removal permit unless otherwise specified in this chapter."Mansfield Code § 99.15 — read on American Legal Publishing

Note the words "effectively destroy through damaging." Seriously damaging a protected tree counts too.

What counts as a "protected tree" (§ 99.03)

The definitions section says:

"TREE, PROTECTED. Any canopy tree that has a diameter at breast height of six inches or greater; any understory tree that has a diameter at breast height of two inches or greater; any specimen tree which is determined by the Landscape Administrator to be of unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association or ecological value; or any tree listed in the most current edition of the Big Tree Registry, as amended, published by the Texas Forest Service."Mansfield Code § 99.03 — Definitions

How to measure: the ordinance defines diameter at breast height (DBH) as the trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground. For a multi-trunk tree, it's the diameter of the largest trunk plus one-half of the diameter of each additional trunk. To estimate diameter, measure the trunk's circumference with a tape and divide by about 3.14.

Six inches DBH isn't a big tree, and many established yard trees meet it. The ordinance's appendices list which species count as canopy or understory trees.

Exemptions written into the ordinance

Homestead / individual residence (§ 99.34(A))

"Homestead. The owner of property which is used for an individual residence or homestead shall be exempt from the tree protection and replacement requirements specified herein."Mansfield Code § 99.34(A) — Private property

This is the provision most relevant to homeowners. Its wording exempts residential owners from the tree protection and replacement requirements. It doesn't separately say anything about the § 99.15 permit requirement. Compare § 99.36, which says "a tree removal permit and tree protection and replacement requirements shall not be required." We aren't going to guess how the city applies this. Ask the Planning Department whether a permit is needed for your specific tree and lot before anyone cuts.

The ordinance has separate rules for other situations. Property owned by a home builder (§ 99.34(B)) is exempt only within the building pad, driveway, sidewalks, patios, septic system, parking, pool and deck areas shown on an approved plot plan. A permit is needed for other protected trees on the lot. Owners of agricultural property (§ 99.34(C)) may remove up to seven protected trees per calendar year without a permit.

General exceptions (§ 99.36)

Section 99.36 says a tree removal permit and the protection and replacement requirements "shall not be required" in these circumstances:

• (A) Preexisting conditions: construction for which final plans and building permit applications were submitted before the chapter took effect.
• (B) Diseased trees: "The tree is diseased, damaged beyond the point of recovery or in danger of falling as determined by the Landscape Administrator prior to the removal of the tree."
• (C) Public safety: "The tree endangers the public health, welfare or safety and immediate removal is required."
• (D) Utility service interruption: the tree has disrupted a public utility service due to a tornado, storm, flood or other act of God. Removal is limited to what's reasonably necessary to restore service.
• (E) Landscape nursery: licensed nurseries, for trees grown for sale.

Two sentences in § 99.36 matter most for homeowners:

"The burden of proof as a qualified exemption is upon the remover of a tree. It is highly recommended that qualification as an exemption be determined with the Landscape Administrator prior to removal of any tree."Mansfield Code § 99.36 — Exceptions

In practice: if you think a tree is dead or dangerous, take dated photos and contact the city before removal. The diseased-tree exception specifically says the Landscape Administrator makes that call before the tree comes down.

Pruning and trimming (§ 99.39)

Ordinary trimming by the owner generally doesn't need a permit. Section 99.39(C) states the chapter "is not intended to require a tree permit for reasonable pruning performed or contracted to be performed by the owner of the tree when unrelated to construction activity." But § 99.39(A) says no protected tree should be pruned in a way that significantly disfigures it without proper cause or would reasonably lead to its death, and that pruning should follow accepted arboricultural standards (§ 99.39).

The same section has a requirement many homeowners miss. Owners of trees next to a public street must keep at least 14 feet of clearance above the pavement or curb, and must remove dead, diseased or dangerous trees or broken limbs that threaten public safety (§ 99.39(D)). Topping street trees, park trees and other trees on public property is unlawful as a normal practice (§ 99.39(E)).

How the permit process works

The City of Mansfield Permit Applications & Forms page lists a Tree Removal Permit Application under the Planning Department and a Residential Tree Preservation Form under Building Safety. The ordinance says:

• The Landscape Administrator reviews and approves permits and may refer a request to the Tree Board (the Planning and Zoning Commission, unless City Council appoints otherwise). Tree Board decisions are final (§ 99.16).
• Applications must include a fee "in the amount specified by City Council" and either a transparency or a tree survey, as the Landscape Administrator decides (§ 99.17). We couldn't find a published fee amount, so ask the city.
• A permit not tied to a building permit or site plan becomes void 180 days after it's issued (§ 99.17(D)).
• Decisions weigh factors such as alternatives to removal, the cost of preserving the tree, drainage, utility interference, replacement trees and public safety (§ 99.18).

Penalties (§ 99.99)

Violating §§ 99.15 and 99.33–99.36 is a misdemeanor, "fined not to exceed $300 per diameter inch of the tree(s) removed or damaged." Other violations of the chapter carry a fine of up to $500 per incident, and each protected tree counts as a separate incident (§ 99.99). For a 20-inch tree, the per-inch maximum would be $6,000.

Other things to check

• Trees in the right-of-way or a city easement. The city has its own authority over street and park trees (§ 99.35). Ask before touching a tree that may be on public land.
• HOA rules. Many neighborhoods have deed restrictions on tree removal. They're separate from city rules.
• Outside city limits. Nearby cities have their own ordinances. This guide covers only the City of Mansfield.

Frequently asked questions

Ordinances change. We read the code as published online on October 26, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the City of Mansfield before removing any tree.

Sources

• Mansfield, TX Code of Ordinances, Ch. 99 Natural Resources Management — §§ 99.01–99.18 (definitions, permits); §§ 99.30–99.35 (regulations); § 99.36 Exceptions; §§ 99.38–99.99 (pruning, penalties)
• City of Mansfield, Permit Applications & Forms — mansfieldtexas.gov