Williamson County Approves Removal of Seven Heritage Trees for Wild Spring Phase 2 Development

In the heart of Leander, Texas, the Planning and Zoning Commission convened to address a pressing environmental concern: the removal of seven heritage trees linked to the Wild Spring Phase 2 public improvement construction plans. The meeting, held on August 14, 2025, brought together city officials and community members to discuss the implications of this decision.

Merilee Van Lubin from the planning department presented the case, emphasizing that the trees, which collectively measure 214.5 caliper inches, are proposed for removal due to conflicts with building pad requirements. The trees are located near the intersection of Peach Drift Drive and White Mistle Flower Drive, an area characterized by residential development and some floodplain.

The commission's role is crucial, as they review applications for heritage tree removal and make recommendations to the city council, which holds the final authority. Van Lubin explained that while the developer could have opted to remove the trees during the building permit phase, they chose to address it through the public improvement construction plans instead.

The discussion highlighted the city’s subdivision ordinance, which allows for the removal of significant trees with certain mitigation requirements. For heritage trees, the mitigation is set at a 3-to-1 caliper inch basis, meaning for every inch removed, three inches must be replaced or compensated for financially. The proposed mitigation fee stands at $300 per caliper inch removed, with options for credit through existing trees on-site or planting new ones.

Despite the removal of these seven trees, the developer plans to preserve approximately 54% of significant trees and over 80% of heritage trees within the overall Wild Spring Subdivision. This commitment to conservation reflects a balance between development needs and environmental stewardship.

As the meeting concluded, the commission's recommendation will soon be forwarded to the city council, where the fate of these heritage trees will ultimately be decided. The outcome will not only impact the landscape of Leander but also set a precedent for future development projects in the area, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between growth and environmental preservation.