Houston Shade Brigade urges stronger tree-planting rules, watering support to recover canopy

Hermann Ebenez, representing the Houston Shade Brigade, told the Resilience Committee that recent storms have reduced Houston’s tree canopy and urged the city to strengthen planting requirements, improve maintenance and use major events as planting catalysts.

The group’s pitch: tighten the city’s tree-planting ordinance, reduce permitting friction, ensure planted trees are watered and maintained, and coordinate planting where it will increase equity and heat relief. “Our vision is, Houston, we're a thriving tree canopy, native plants, and sustainable infrastructure protecting our neighborhoods, foster health, promoting environmental justice, and uphold environmental accountability,” Ebenez said.

Why it matters: Tree canopy reduces urban heat, improves air quality and can…