Flower Mound launches residential tree rebate and plans November planting events

Town staff reported Aug. 5 that the Flower Mound Town Council on July 7 approved a resolution creating a residential tree rebate program and described two November events tied to Texas Arbor Day to promote tree planting.

Matt Woods, head of environmental services, said the newly authorized rebate program is designed to incentivize residential tree planting. “The program has a limit up to $500 per calendar year for a rebate for our, or an address,” Woods said, adding the program allows planting up to five trees per address and accepts trees ranging from a minimum 5-gallon size upward. He told commissioners the application is being prepared and staff expects to promote and launch the program in the fall.

Staff provided event dates and logistics: Texas Arbor Day in Texas occurs the first Friday in November, and the town will plant an estimated 40 to 50 trees at Shadow Ridge Park on Nov. 7 with a seedling giveaway; on Nov. 8 the town will hold the larger tree giveaway (3-gallon trees) at the Westchester Park Arboretum, a preregistered event, Woods said. Tyler, a communications staff member, said registration for the larger giveaway will open about two weeks before the event and will be promoted via the town website and social media.

The commission was also told the town’s tree-recognition program application is open through August; staff will schedule site visits and return recommendations to ECC in October so awards and yard signs can be presented in November.

Ending

Staff asked commissioners to promote the rebate and giveaway information once it is posted and said program details and the application would be circulated ahead of the October meeting.