San Antonio Tree Permits & HOAs: A Simple Homeowner Guide (Without the Legal Headache)

Marsel Gareyev
Dec 8, 2025
5 min read

If you live in San Antonio—or in HOA-heavy neighborhoods like Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, or Alamo Heights—you’ve probably heard conflicting advice about what you can (and can’t) do with your trees. One neighbor says “trim anything you want.” Another warns you’ll get fined for touching a branch. The truth: a little prep keeps you compliant, avoids delays, and saves you from “stop work” drama.

This quick guide explains what typically needs approval, how HOAs usually write their rules, and the best order of operations so you can move from decision → approval → work without a headache. When you’re ready, we can provide formal Arborist Reports and turnkey scheduling for Tree Trimming or Tree Removal.

First, know the two playbooks you’re juggling

City requirements (permits): Focus on public safety, protected species/sizes, and site development.
HOA rules (CC&Rs + architectural guidelines): Focus on neighborhood standards—appearance, uniformity, and prior approval.

Many projects need both: HOA and city sign-off (or at least a “no permit needed” note) before you schedule work.

What typically needs approval (simple patterns we see)

Here’s a homeowner-friendly rule of thumb. Your exact situation can vary, but these are the most common triggers:

Full removal of a mature tree: Often requires HOA approval; city may require a permit or documented reason (dead, dying, dangerous, invasive, or within a permitted construction footprint). An Arborist Report makes approvals easier.
Major pruning (large limb reductions, >~20–25% live canopy in a season): Many HOAs want pre-approval to prevent “lion-tailing” or topping. City standards generally discourage improper pruning. We’ll scope a Tree Trimming plan that meets best practices.
Work near streets/sidewalks or utility lines: City or utility rules may apply (clearances, traffic control, line safety).
Work tied to construction permits (pools, additions, driveways): Tree protection and/or removal plans often must be documented up front.
Emergency work (immediate hazard): You can usually act to make the site safe, then provide documentation after. Take photos and call us; we’ll generate an arborist letter.

Routine deadwood removal, small corrective cuts, or clearance pruning away from façades often doesn’t need a city permit—but HOAs may still ask for an email notice or quick form.

Common HOA clauses (and how to sail through them)

Most CC&Rs aim to prevent eyesores and liability. Expect language like:

“No topping / maintain natural form.” We follow ANSI A300 pruning standards—no topping, no hacks.
“Maintain health and appearance.” We document objectives: structural pruning, deadwood removal, clearance, weight reduction—so boards see it’s professional, not random cutting.
“Prior approval for removals.” We attach an Arborist Report explaining defects (decay, co-dominant splits, root plate compromise), targets, and risk rating.
“Replacement tree required.” We provide a short list of HOA-friendly species/sizes and a simple planting plan if needed.

A tidy packet = faster approvals. We’ll give you the right photos, diagrams, and one-page summary boards love.

The best order of operations (avoid fines & back-and-forth)

Step 1: Document the tree

Snap clear photos: full canopy, trunk flare, defect close-ups, proximity to house/drive, and any utility conflicts. Note species and approximate size.

Step 2: Quick expert check

Schedule a walk-through. We’ll confirm species, health, risks, and whether your plan is a trim or a removal. If anything is borderline, we recommend an Arborist Report—it’s the difference between “maybe later” and “approved.”

Step 3: HOA pre-application

Send a simple packet: scope (e.g., Tree Trimming vs. Tree Removal), photos, arborist summary, and a note on timing. Ask if they need city confirmation.

Step 4: City check

If the board or our team believes a permit might apply, we’ll help you request the city’s thumbs-up (permit or written “not required”). If it’s an emergency, we document and proceed safely.

Step 5: Schedule & stage

Once approved, we schedule work with oak-wilt timing in mind and arrange traffic cones/utility locates if needed.

Step 6: Close-out & proof

We provide after photos and (if requested) a one-page completion note you can forward to the HOA/insurer.

What your arborist packet should include (boards love this)

Project summary (1 paragraph): Why this work, objectives, timing.
Tree data: Species, size class, location on lot map or simple sketch.
Condition & risk notes: Decay, cracks, lean, root issues, targets.
Scope of work: e.g., “Remove 2”–4” deadwood throughout crown; reduce southern leader 10–15% to clear roof; maintain natural form.”
Standards: “Pruning to ANSI A300; no topping; paint all live oak cuts to reduce oak-wilt risk.”
Photos (before): Full canopy + defects.
Optional: Arborist Report PDF with signatures and date.

We prep all of this for you—so your “application” reads like a professional plan, not a guess.

Trimming vs. removal: how boards (and the city) usually think

Trim if the tree is sound but needs clearance, weight reduction, or hazard reduction. We’ll outline a seasonally smart Tree Trimming plan (live oaks: avoid routine cuts during oak-wilt peak; seal cuts).
Remove if risk is unacceptable (major decay, split leaders over targets, root failure, whole-crown dieback) and mitigation won’t reduce risk to a tolerable level. We’ll pair Tree Removal with a replacement plan when required.

Five fast ways to get approved faster

Use standards language. Say “ANSI A300 pruning; no topping; cuts to branch collar.” That signals professionalism.
Offer a neutral replacement. If removing, propose species/size the HOA already lists (we’ll suggest options).
Show timing awareness. For oaks, note “we’ll seal all live cuts” and avoid peak oak-wilt windows when possible.
Address utilities and access. Note if we need street parking, cones, or line clearance coordination.
Provide a start/finish window. Boards like knowing it won’t drag on.

“Do I really need a city permit?”

It depends on size, species, location, and context (development vs. maintenance vs. emergency). Rather than guessing, we’ll flag permit triggers during the site visit and, if needed, help you request a determination. If it’s immediate hazard, we’ll make the area safe first and document everything for your records.

Sample email you can copy/paste to your HOA

Subject: Tree Work Approval – [Your Address] – [Trim/Removal] Hi [ARC/Board], I’m requesting approval for tree work at [address]. Scope: [Tree Trimming/Tree Removal] of a [species, size]. Reason: [e.g., clearance over roof, deadwood reduction, defective co-dominant union]. Standards: ANSI A300 pruning; no topping; live oak cuts sealed to minimize oak-wilt risk. Documentation: Photos attached. Arborist summary/report attached. Schedule window: [dates]. Please let me know if the city requires a permit or if this packet is sufficient for HOA approval. Thank you!

We’ll supply the attachments so this email gets quick thumbs-up.

FAQs

Can I trim a little without telling anyone?

Dead twigs and minor clearance are often fine, but HOAs differ. If you’re unsure, send the quick email above—paper trails prevent headaches.

What if a storm drops a limb tonight?

Handle safety first. We’ll clear hazards, then document for your HOA/city after. Emergency mitigation is almost always allowed.

Will I get fined if I remove a dead tree without asking?

Most boards don’t penalize truly dead or dangerous removals—but they may want proof. Grab photos and an Arborist Report and notify them promptly.

Do I need to replant?

If your CC&Rs say yes, we’ll propose HOA-friendly species and plant to spec (correct hole, trunk flare visible, mulch donut—not volcano).

Ready to make this painless?

We’ll walk your property, advise on permits, prepare the HOA packet, and handle the work to standard. Start with a quick Arborist Report review, then schedule Tree Trimming or Tree Removal as needed—no legal headache, no guesswork.