Wichita Falls Launches Tree Abatement Program

City offers up to $4,000 per resident to remove dead and nuisance trees in revitalization area.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An out-of-focus photograph of a residential street lined with mature oak trees, their branches casting soft, dappled shadows on the sidewalk below. The scene is bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a sense of community and tranquility.The Tree Abatement Program aims to revitalize Wichita Falls' central neighborhoods by helping residents remove hazardous trees and improve the overall look and safety of their properties.Wichita Falls Today

The City of Wichita Falls has launched a new Tree Abatement Program to help residents in the Heart of the Falls Revitalization Area remove dead and problematic trees on their properties. The program will provide up to $4,000 per applicant to cover the cost of tree removal, with a total grant pool of around $30,000.

Why it matters

Many homes and businesses in the central parts of Wichita Falls have struggled with aging, dying, or hazardous trees that can be costly to remove. This new program aims to address that issue by offering financial assistance to residents, helping to improve the overall look and safety of the targeted revitalization area.

The details

The Tree Abatement Program is open to any property owners, including businesses, located within the Heart of the Falls Revitalization Area near Old High. However, residential homeowners will be prioritized, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The city has allocated around $30,000 total for the program, allowing for up to $4,000 per approved applicant to cover the cost of tree removal.

  • The application period for the Tree Abatement Program closes on June 30, 2026.
  • The program could close sooner if a large number of applications are received.

The players

Christal Cates

Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, who helped develop the Tree Abatement Program to address a clear need in the targeted revitalization area.

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What they’re saying

“We saw the need. There were a lot of dead and dying trees around there, and we all know it's quite expensive to have trees abated and taken down. And so we know in that area, especially, there were quite a few, and residents over there, some of them need a little extra help. So we were able to come up with this program that would help the city as a whole and then also help the individual homeowners.”

— Christal Cates, Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator

“Most of us, I think the majority of us are just maybe one bad thing away from having, being in that category where you need help. Everybody needs help at some point in time. And so, if this is something we can help with, we want to lend a hand. That's what good neighbors should do. And I think as, you know, someone working for the city, we work for the citizens and we want to see their life better and improved.”

— Christal Cates, Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator

What’s next

The city hopes the program will be successful this year, allowing for continued funding and expansion to other areas of Wichita Falls in the future.

The takeaway

This new Tree Abatement Program demonstrates Wichita Falls' commitment to supporting residents and improving the look and safety of its central neighborhoods, recognizing that even small acts of community assistance can make a big difference.