Dow partners with Houston Wilderness to plant thousands of "super trees" near Freeport; council amends mower ordinance to allow special permits

Representatives from Houston Wilderness and Dow presented a proposal to plant native “super trees” on multiple parcels near Freeport, starting with a roughly five‑acre pilot tract Dow controls at Victoria Lane.

Anna Tapia, a Houston Wilderness representative, described the program’s approach and ecosystem services: “We’ve actually termed them super trees…we have calculated how much air pollution they remove, how much water they store and absorb…and how much carbon sequestration these trees are able to conduct.” Tapia said Houston Wilderness typically plants five‑gallon native trees, aims for reforestation‑style plantings (not fine landscape maintenance), and asks landowners to allow low‑mow zones or a 10‑foot mow perimeter until trees establish.

Council members asked about maintenance, adjacent daycare and residential impacts, wildlife and snakes, and whether the city could be left with long grass code violations. City staff and the chief explained the partnership is on private land owned by Dow and that a package of signage and a permit process would inform neighbors and avoid code conflicts.

Council later voted to amend the city’s code to add a special‑permit pathway allowing landowners or organizations to apply for a no‑mow restoration permit for native plant/afforestation projects. The ordinance amendments require an application, clear signage explaining the landowner and stewardship plan, and a county‑style agreement structure so residents and staff can monitor maintenance. Councilman Rosso said the change creates a vehicle for public‑private partnerships that can reduce mowing expenses for the city and increase canopy. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Houston Wilderness said crews plan to plant beginning in October and will return for additional rounds; smaller parcels could be volunteer plantings where residents and councilmembers may participate.