Do you need the City's permission to cut down a tree in your own yard in McKinney? For a lot of trees, yes. The City protects the trees on its Quality Tree List from 6 to 41 inches across, and every tree of any kind at 42 inches or more. If you searched "tree removal permit McKinney," this guide walks homeowners through which trees count, how to apply and what it can cost.
This is general information, not legal advice. The City's rules control, and they can change. Confirm with the City of McKinney before you cut.
Which trees are protected?
The City protects two groups of trees, based on trunk size measured at chest height (called DBH, or diameter at breast height):
- Listed species from 6 to 41 inches across. These are the trees on the City's Quality Tree List.
- Every tree 42 inches across or bigger, no matter the species.
The Quality Tree List includes many of the most common yard trees around town, including:
- Oak
- Pecan
- Elm (except American elm and Siberian elm)
- Crape myrtle
- Redbud
- Maple (except box elder and silver maple)
- Magnolia, holly, juniper and bald cypress
That's not the full list; the City's checklist has many more. Check the City's current list before you assume a tree is fine to cut.
How to measure your tree
Measure the trunk about four and a half feet up from the ground. Wrap a tape measure around the trunk to get the distance around it, then divide by 3.14 to get the diameter.
Example: a trunk that measures 25 inches around is about 8 inches across. If it's an oak, that's inside the 6-to-41-inch range, so it's likely protected.
How to apply for a tree permit
You apply online through the City's Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. The City's checklist asks for a simple exhibit, which is just a map that shows:
- Where the tree is, marked on an aerial photo or a plot plan of your lot.
- The tree's trunk size (DBH).
- Standard notes the City requires.
- How any nearby trees will be protected during the work.
Fees from the City's checklist: $0 for removing a tree on an existing home lot, $50 for non-residential property. Fees are due before the permit is issued.
Will you have to replace the tree?
You might. The City can require replacement trees when a protected tree comes out. The City's checklist says replacement can be done by planting on your property, or by paying into the City's Tree Reforestation Fund if you can't plant on site.
Reforestation Fund amounts from the City's checklist:
- $700 for each 4-inch replacement tree.
- $1,500 for each 6-inch replacement tree.
The City also has an online mitigation calculator on its Tree Preservation page. It gives an estimate only. The City's urban forester makes the final call.
What about dead or storm-damaged trees?
The City's tree permit checklist doesn't list an exemption for dead, diseased or storm-damaged trees. Don't assume a dead tree is exempt. Call the City first, and take photos of the tree before anyone cuts it.
If a tree is an immediate danger, like leaning on your house after a storm, get people clear and call the City as soon as you can. Keep photos of everything.
HOA rules come on top of the City's
Many neighborhoods here have their own tree rules, and you have to follow both. Where they differ, the stricter rule wins.
Stonebridge Ranch is a good example. Its upkeep guide says:
- Every front yard in every village needs at least one large canopy tree. Some villages require more.
- Removing a required tree needs written approval from the Modifications Committee first.
- Replacing it with a tree from the recommended list doesn't need written approval.
If you're in another HOA, check your own guidelines before you plan any removal.
What happens if you skip the permit?
Cutting a protected tree without a permit can bring fines and replacement costs on top of the cost of the job. The City has fined property owners over tree ordinance violations before. In 2017, Community Impact reported a $44,800 fine against a company for clearing trees on a 17-acre property without a tree survey and permits. The company challenged the fine in court. A homeowner's single tree is a much smaller matter, but the rule is the same: ask first.
How we help with the permit
We don't file permits for you or tell you what the City will decide. What we do:
- Point out which trees on your job look like protected species and sizes.
- Remind you to check with the City and your HOA before we cut.
- Hold the job until you've got the green light, then do the tree removal itself.
Permit questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree? The City's tree permit checklist is about removing trees. Ordinary trimming isn't listed as needing a permit. Heavy cutting that kills or ruins a protected tree is a different story, so ask the City if you're unsure.
How long does a tree removal permit take in McKinney? The City's checklist doesn't publish a timeline. Apply early and call the City to ask.
Who do I call with questions? The City of McKinney Planning Department handles tree preservation. The City's main number is 972-547-7500, and the Tree Preservation page has an email link.
Is a crape myrtle protected? Crape myrtle is on the City's Quality Tree List, so a crape myrtle 6 inches across or bigger is likely protected. See our crape myrtle trimming guide.
Planning a removal? Call (214) 217-9699 and we'll help you figure out what to check before we cut.
Sources: City of McKinney, Tree Permit Application & Checklist (rev. Jan 29, 2024); City of McKinney, Tree Preservation page; Stonebridge Ranch, Home Upkeep 101; Community Impact (June 2017) on the McKinney Entertainment tree ordinance fine.