Thinking about trimming your oaks in Castle Hills? One poorly timed cut can spread oak wilt and put you out of compliance with city rules. You want to protect your trees, your curb appeal, and your investment. This guide gives you the exact Castle Hills rules, why they exist, and simple steps to stay safe and compliant. Let’s dive in.
Castle Hills rules at a glance
Oak trimming dates
Routine pruning of any oak species is prohibited in Castle Hills from February 1 through June 30. Routine oak trimming is allowed July 1 through January 31. See the city’s official guidance and permitting details on the Castle Hills tree permit rules.
Permits and who needs them
- Residents may trim trees on the residence they occupy without a permit, but must follow the oak dates and painting rule.
- Contractors or any paid workers must obtain a tree permit before trimming, pruning, or removing trees. City-listed fees: $50 for oak tree permits and $25 for all other tree permits. Permits are address-specific and valid for 30 days. Details are on the city permit page.
Paint wounds within 1 hour
Castle Hills requires you to paint all cuts on oak trees within 1 hour of the cut using opaque paint. This helps discourage beetles that can spread oak wilt. The requirement appears on the city permit page and the city’s oak wilt information page.
Debris removal and city pickup
- Contractors must remove all trimmings within 48 hours of completing work.
- Residents can set out trimmings for city pickup only if pieces are no longer than 4 feet and no wider than 3 inches in diameter and do not exceed the weekly brush limit. Otherwise, arrange private disposal. See the permit guidance for details.
Street and sidewalk clearance
Keep branches pruned to maintain safe clearance into the public right-of-way. Castle Hills requires 14 feet above streets and 12 feet above sidewalks. Review the city’s codes and ordinances for right-of-way standards.
Why oak wilt rules matter
Oak wilt is a serious fungal disease that blocks water movement in oaks and can kill trees quickly. It is present in central Texas, including the Castle Hills area. Learn more on the city’s Oak Wilt Prevention page.
The primary above-ground spread is by sap-feeding beetles that are attracted to fungal mats on infected red oaks and to fresh sap at wounds. Activity peaks late winter through spring, which is why the city’s February to June pruning prohibition exists. The fungus can also spread underground through connected roots, so containment sometimes involves professional root-trenching. See the Texas A&M Forest Service overview of seasonal risk and spread in their guidance on how oak wilt threatens Texas oaks in spring.
Trim safely and stay compliant
- Schedule pruning in the allowed season. Plan non-emergency oak work for July through January, ideally when insects are least active. Confirm specifics on the city permit page.
- If a true emergency occurs during February through June, pause and contact the City of Castle Hills Permit Office for guidance on next steps and any emergency allowances. Use the permit page to access current contacts.
- Paint every cut immediately. The city requires painting within 1 hour. Texas A&M Forest Service also urges immediate painting to deter beetles during risk seasons.
- Sanitize tools between trees. Use a disinfectant, such as a 10 percent bleach solution, and make one cut, paint it, then make the next cut. See TFS guidance on safe tool use in their advice for post-storm tree care and sanitation here.
- Do not move or store fresh oak firewood. Unseasoned oak from infected trees can host fungal mats that attract beetles. Dispose of suspect wood as advised by professionals and follow local rules. Read TFS’ tips to prevent spread, including “don’t move firewood,” in this statewide guidance.
- Hire qualified, permitted pros. Require your contractor to obtain the city permit, show insurance, paint wounds immediately, sanitize tools, and remove debris within 48 hours. Consider firms familiar with oak wilt and ask about ISA-certified arborists. The International Society of Arboriculture offers consumer resources here.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trimming any oak from February through June except for true emergencies.
- Skipping the one-hour painting rule for cuts.
- Hiring unpermitted workers or not confirming 48-hour debris removal.
- Topping or lopping large oaks, which weakens structure and creates large wounds.
- Storing fresh oak firewood near healthy trees.
If you suspect oak wilt
Stop work, secure the area, and do not move suspect wood. Contact the City of Castle Hills Permit Office for guidance on emergency steps and disposal options via the permit page.
Next, pursue diagnosis and management advice. Texas A&M Forest Service notes that early, professional measures like preventive fungicide injections for nearby uninfected trees and root-trenching to sever grafts can help contain spread, but they are not cures and require trained pros. Learn more in TFS’ overview of oak wilt risk and management here.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Plan oak trimming for July through January and avoid February through June unless it is a true emergency. City rules
- Require your contractor to pull a permit, paint cuts, sanitize tools, and remove debris within 48 hours. City rules
- Keep right-of-way clearance at 14 feet over streets and 12 feet over sidewalks. Codes
- Do not store or move fresh oak firewood. When in doubt, ask a pro. TFS guidance
Protecting your oaks protects your home’s value and your neighborhood’s canopy. If you are planning to sell or just settled into Castle Hills, smart timing and compliance can make your yard look its best while avoiding costly mistakes. For local guidance that fits your real estate goals, reach out to Melisa Fitchett for a friendly, informed conversation.
FAQs
When can I trim oak trees in Castle Hills?
- Routine trimming of any oak species is allowed July 1 through January 31 and prohibited February 1 through June 30. See the city’s permit rules.
Do I need a permit to trim my own trees at my Castle Hills home?
- Residents may trim trees on the residence they occupy without a permit, but must follow the oak dates and the one-hour painting rule. Confirm on the city permit page.
Do I really have to paint pruning cuts within one hour?
- Yes, Castle Hills requires painting all oak wounds within 1 hour to deter beetles that can spread oak wilt. See the city requirement.
Will the city pick up my oak trimmings?
- City pickup applies to resident-cut brush that fits limits: pieces no longer than 4 feet and no wider than 3 inches in diameter, within weekly brush limits. Check details on the permit page.
What clearance is required over streets and sidewalks?
- Maintain 14 feet of clearance above streets and 12 feet above sidewalks where branches overhang the public right-of-way. See the city codes and ordinances.
What should I do if storm damage happens during the February to June window?
- Pause work, paint any fresh wounds as quickly as possible, and contact the City of Castle Hills Permit Office for guidance on emergency steps. Use the permit page to access current contacts.
