New tree rules take root in Galveston

GALVESTON, Texas — Planting trees in the city’s right of way will be easier under a new ordinance.

Under the previous ordinance, property owners had to request a special license to plant trees between the street curb and the sidewalk, an area known as the tree lawn.

The licensing process would have been cumbersome to people anxious to replace trees killed by Hurricane Ike, Jackie Cole, a member of the city’s new tree committee, said.

But city staff wanted to make sure residents followed some guidelines when replanting, to keep the new trees from becoming traffic hazards.

"This is a good compromise to all those concerns," Cole said.

As long as residents follow the new rules when planting trees, they do not have to get permission from the city. People who want an exception to the rules can apply for one through the city’s Planning Department.

City officials are asking all residents to register new trees, whether planted in the right of way or on private property, with the city, so that officials can keep track of how many dead trees have been replaced.

Hurricane Ike covered 75 percent of the island with salty surge when it came ashore last year.

The salt water saturated dry ground and damaged tree roots, eventually killing many.

Texas Forest Service Experts estimated 10,000 trees on public property would need to be removed, but crews ended up cutting down only 4,500.

Foresters estimated another 30,000 trees on private property died, but officials do not know how many have been removed so far.

The city’s new right of way planting guidelines, adopted unanimously Thursday by the city council, include recommendations of tree species that should do well during future storms.

Residents who plant trees in the right of way next to their property are responsible for caring for them, making sure they are trimmed and preventing them from damaging sidewalks.

This story was brought to you thanks to khou.com's partnership with The Galveston County Daily News.