Storm Damage and Emergency Trees in Forney, TX
After a storm, call your insurance company and stay away from any limb near a power line. A tree service can make the area safe and document the damage for your claim.
- Storm cleanup and emergency service. North Texas storms drop limbs, and the city allows quick cleanup of storm-damaged trees.
Spring storms can drop limbs and whole trees. Many removals come after storm damage.
The city allows storm-damaged trees to be cleared within 14 days without a permit.
Forney rules that apply
Under Forney's zoning code, a homeowner with an existing house on a single-family lot is not covered by the city's tree protection rules. Vacant land, redevelopment and some yard and landscape areas are covered. On covered property, taking out a protected tree (a listed species 6 inches or more across) needs a Tree Removal Permit, and the city decides within 30 days. Trees in the city right-of-way fall under the city code. Call the city before removing a big tree.
- A protected tree is a tree on the city's approved plant list that is 6 inches or more in caliper (trunk width).
- Developed single-family lots with an existing home are not covered by the tree preservation section.
- On covered property, no one may remove a protected tree without an approved application. If no building project is involved, a Tree Removal Permit is needed.
- The city has 30 days to approve or deny a Tree Removal Permit. A permit lasts 180 days.
- Removal is approved when the tree is a hazard to life or property, or is dead, dying or diseased and cannot be saved.
- Broken limbs, and trees that blow over or snap in a storm, can be cleared without a permit if it is done within 14 days.
- Replacement trees are usually required at a 3 to 1 ratio of trunk inches. Some single-family cases get a lower ratio.
- Brush for city pickup: limbs 6 inches across or less, 50 pounds or less and 10 feet long or less.
Questions
Can I clear storm damage right away?
Yes. Broken limbs and trees that blow over or snap can be cleared without a permit if it is done within 14 days of the damage.