Sustainability Committee presses for stronger tree preservation; staff to seek planning update

Several members of the City of Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee used the July 9 meeting to press staff for stronger measures to preserve old‑growth trees in the city and to request a presentation from planning staff on a substantially revised tree‑preservation ordinance.

A committee member described repeated instances where mature shade trees had been removed during development or property changes and said the city should do more than simply replant small specimens. “I would prefer that we keep the old growth trees and keep them growing,” the member said. Multiple members expressed frustration that some removals appear to happen on city property or on private parcels without clear public explanation.

Staff responded that planning department staff had rewritten the tree ordinance after council feedback and that the rewrite is ready to be scheduled for discussion at council’s discretion. Staff offered to invite Kira from planning to present the revised ordinance to the committee, suggesting August or September as possible meeting dates. Staff also said the codes and landscaping subcommittee had developed incentives to encourage developers to preserve older trees, but that some council members had objected in the past to requirements perceived as overly prescriptive about private property.

Tree giveaway and Arbor Day: Staff confirmed the city’s annual tree giveaway will coincide with Parks’ Arbor Day activities in November and will be held at City Hall, with a ceremonial tree planting by parks staff from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon. The giveaway species for 2025 were announced as Mexican white oak and Mexican plum; staff said species selection reflected nursery availability and contract costs and that signup typically opens about a month before the event.

Why it matters: Mature urban trees provide shade, stormwater and heat‑reduction benefits that materially affect neighborhood livability and energy use. Committee members framed tree preservation as a city policy issue that intersects development review, code language and incentives for private developers.

Discussion vs. decisions: The committee requested a planning‑department presentation and added the tree ordinance review as a future‑agenda item; no ordinance change or formal committee motion was made at the July 9 meeting. Staff said it will follow up with planning to arrange a presentation and to clarify timelines.