Tree rules in Longview

Nothing on this page is legal advice. It sums up what the city, the utility and the state publish, and points out where we couldn't confirm a rule.

City of Longview

The city's code of ordinances, published through American Legal Publishing, has no chapter titled for trees. The closest chapters are Chapter 49 (Garbage, Trash and Weeds) and Chapter 58 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), and development standards sit in Appendix A, the Unified Development Code. We couldn't confirm whether removing a tree from an existing home lot needs city approval, or who is responsible for trees between the sidewalk and the street. Ask the City of Longview before cutting a tree near a street, in an easement or on property being developed.

Outside city limits, Gregg County or Harrison County rules apply. We didn't find county tree rules in a citable form; ask the county.

Power lines

SWEPCO says its forestry department trims trees interfering with the primary, secondary and neutral wires on its poles, the property owner is responsible for trees along the service line to the house, and nobody should cut back trees near power lines on their own. It asks for at least two working days' notice for a temporary disconnect.

Transmission lines are stricter. SWEPCO's right-of-way brochure says that where conductors are less than 100 feet above ground, it removes trees and woody-stemmed plants within the right-of-way, allowing only compatible, low-growing species in some places; compatible species must stay under 15 feet tall at maturity. Its easements generally give it the right to remove trees and obstructions.

Texas 811

Under Texas Utilities Code Section 251.002, excavating means using powered or mechanized equipment to disturb soil 16 or more inches deep. Section 251.151 requires notice to the 811 center no earlier than 14 days and no later than 48 hours before the work starts, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Texas811 advises contacting it for any digging, at least two working days ahead, and marks public lines free.

Contractor credentials

We didn't find a Texas state license for tree removal in a form we could cite, so don't assume one exists or is missing; ask each contractor what credentials and insurance they carry, and get proof. Texas A&M Forest Service's storm planning guide recommends ISA Certified Arborists for community tree care, which is a useful credential to ask about.

Brush and debris

The city's bulky item service, the compost site's size limits and the fees for haulers are on the brush disposal page.

Checklist

1. Inside city limits?Ask the City of Longview about streets, easements and development lots.
2. Any wires involved?Pole wires: SWEPCO. Service line: you, with SWEPCO's disconnect if needed.
3. Machines going into the ground?16 inches or deeper with powered equipment: 811 notice at least 48 hours ahead, weekdays only.
4. Who is doing the work?Ask for credentials and proof of insurance in writing.