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Residents decry aggressive city tree trimming; council agrees to review ordinance 2024‑22
Summary
Two Friendswood residents told council city crews trimmed a large oak on private property above ordinance standards; speakers asked council to reexamine Ordinance 2024‑22 (sections 70‑80 and 70‑81); council directed staff to place the matter on a future agenda for discussion.
Two homeowners described extensive cuts to a large oak tree on private property and urged the city to revisit its tree‑pruning rules and enforcement process. Council agreed to revisit the ordinance at a future meeting.
Jessica Short told council crews had made cuts “up to the second story line” on a large oak she said she and arborists had long cared for. “It looks bad. It's so much worse in person,” Short said from the podium, adding she felt “violated” by the work on her property.
Jacob Rous, who gave his address as the same street, said crews made “excessive, destructive, and careless cuts well above 15 feet and well within our property line” and asked council to reevaluate city ordinance 2024‑22, sections 70‑80 and 70‑81, the rules on minimum branch height and trimming. “The ordinance simply doesn't make sense,” Rous said, arguing the new clearance standard (10 feet over sidewalks, 15 feet over streets) is too high for many mature shade trees.
Rous said the property owners had not received written notice and asked for an appeal process or special consideration for treasured trees. He asked council for greater accountability and training for the crews who prune trees in Friendswood.
Council action: After the public comments Council Member (unidentified) asked city manager Murad whether staff could “put that ordinance and just talk about that in our next meeting.” Murad replied that staff could do so. The exchange was recorded in the public meeting as direction to staff; there was no formal vote.
Why it matters: Residents said the pruning changed the character of longstanding trees and argued the current clearance rules and enforcement practices do not preserve the city’s mature canopy. Speakers requested clearer notice, options to appeal, and staff training for tree crews.
Next steps: Council directed staff to place the ordinance and related process issues on a future agenda for discussion. No formal ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.
Ending: Council members said they would review the ordinance language and enforcement procedures; staff will return with proposed agenda language and options for notice, training and appeal.
