Georgetown, Texas
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Georgetown, Texas
In Georgetown, a live oak, post oak, cedar elm, pecan, southern magnolia or other listed species with a trunk 26 inches or more in diameter is a Heritage Tree. Removing or pruning one needs a city permit under the Unified Development Code, and the City Council can designate other trees of historic or community value as Heritage Trees too.
- County
- Williamson
- Tree rules
- Georgetown Unified Development Code Sections 3.23, 3.24 and 8.02
- Key local rule
- Permit to remove or prune Heritage Trees, 26 inches DBH or more of listed species
- Electric utility
- Georgetown Utility Systems and Pedernales Electric Cooperative
- Main hazards
- Oak wilt, drought on thin limestone soils, ice storms, rapid growth
What is a Heritage Tree in Georgetown?
Any tree of a listed species, including live oak, post oak, cedar elm, pecan and southern magnolia, with a diameter at breast height of 26 inches or more. The City Council may also designate any tree of historic importance or significant community benefit. A permit is required both to remove and to prune a Heritage Tree.
- Size
- 26 inches DBH for listed species.
- Pruning
- Also needs a permit, unlike most cities.
- Arborist
- A qualified arborist signs the application and oversees the work.
Central Texas warning signs
Live oak leaves with yellow or brown veins
Veinal necrosis, typical of oak wilt.
Several live oaks dying in a group
Spread through connected roots.
Pecan limbs dropping in summer
Pecans shed heavy limbs, especially after drought.
Cracked limbs after ice
The February 2021 and 2023 winter storms damaged many trees.
Old oaks in a fast-growing city
Georgetown has grown from a small county seat into one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, much of it on ranchland north of Austin. The historic courthouse square and Old Town neighborhoods keep large live oaks and pecans, while new subdivisions often preserve Heritage Trees in yards and greenbelts.
Soils are thin over limestone on much of the Edwards Plateau edge, so roots spread wide and shallow. Construction traffic and grading near old trees cause as much damage as storms. That is why the city looks at building permits and tree protection fencing.
Oak wilt is present in Williamson County. Texas guidance is to avoid wounding oaks from February through June and to paint every oak wound immediately. See oak wilt management.
Permits and building projects
The Tree Removal and Pruning form, effective September 18, 2023, is generally required with residential building permits. It can be skipped when the outer edge of the new structure is more than 12 feet from the dripline of any Heritage or mitigation tree, or when photos show compliant tree protection fencing, and no pruning is proposed. All removals still need an approved permit first.
The application must be signed by an arborist who provides their credential number and oversees all work on the Heritage Tree.
Common Heritage species
| Tree | Notes |
|---|---|
| Live oak | Most common Heritage Tree; oak wilt risk |
| Post oak | Sensitive to root disturbance and compaction |
| Cedar elm | Tough native, prone to mistletoe |
| Pecan | Large, heavy limbs; the state tree |
| Southern magnolia | Planted in older neighborhoods |
The full species list is in the Unified Development Code.
Working near a Heritage Tree
Measure and identify
Listed species and 26 inches or more.
Hire a qualified arborist
They sign the application and oversee the work.
Apply before any cut
Removal or pruning.
Protect roots on building sites
Fencing outside the dripline.
Paint oak wounds
Every time, to keep oak wilt beetles away.
Georgetown tree questions
Do I need a permit to prune a Heritage Tree in Georgetown?
Yes. Georgetown requires a permit for pruning Heritage Trees as well as removal.
Do Austin's rules apply in Georgetown?
No. Austin protects trees from 19 inches and has its own heritage rules. Georgetown's line is 26 inches for listed species.
What if my tree is a 24-inch live oak?
It is below the Heritage size, but check whether it is a mitigation tree from a previous development approval.
Can the city designate my tree?
The City Council can designate trees of historic importance or community benefit as Heritage Trees.
Central Texas pages
- AustinThirty miles south, with protected trees from 19 inches.
- San AntonioHeritage trees and oak wilt.
- Texas tree serviceStatewide context.
- Oak tree removalWhen an oak must come down.
- Construction Tree Protection in AustinHow Austin protects tree roots during building work, a useful model for Georgetown lots under construction.
- Ice Storm Tree Damage in AustinIce loads that snap limbs on Central Texas live oaks, and what to do after a freeze.
Reach a tree service in Georgetown
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Georgetown area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day