Flower Mound commission approves permit to remove one specimen post oak at 4408 Overlook Ridge

The Environmental Conservation Commission on June 3 voted to approve a tree removal permit allowing the removal of one specimen post oak from a residential lot at 4408 Overlook Ridge in the Pepper Creek Ranch subdivision.

Commission staff described the lot as approximately 0.76 acres, zoned agricultural, containing a single specimen tree identified as a 23-inch post oak in fair condition that had shown signs of epicormic growth; staff also noted there is a preserved 21-inch post oak on the site and other protected-sized post oaks and blackjack oaks.

During public comment Claire Harris (416 Northwood Drive) said the application would result in the removal of multiple protected trees across the lot: “13 post oaks, 8 blackjack, and a cedar elm, total of 28 trees and only 9 to remain,” she said, and asked why the builder could not design around more trees. Harris cited a prior presentation in which developer Kurt Debose said his company had designed a multimillion-dollar home around a tree and urged the applicant to do more to protect trees on this lot.

Kurt Debose of Bentovia Custom Homes, the applicant, responded that site-specific constraints limit options for preserving the specimen tree. He told commissioners the lot presents grading and drainage challenges, and because the property is not on town sewer the site requires on-site sewage (septic) infrastructure that occupies substantial backyard area. Debose said engineers and geotechnical reports dictate foundation and grading solutions that affect tree preservation and that the homeowners have agreed to the proposed design.

After discussion a commission member moved to approve the permit and another member seconded; Commission member Fulbright recorded “Aye” in the roll call and the chair announced the motion passed. The motion approved removal of the single specimen tree on the property; the transcript does not record a full roll-call with individual votes beyond the named “Aye.”

Why it matters: The removal prompted public comment about loss of canopy on a lot in an existing subdivision and illustrates the tension between single-family development, lot engineering constraints and tree preservation goals.

What’s next: The town will process the single-family dwelling and on-site sewage permits required for construction; the commission’s approval clears the way for the applicant to proceed with the permit as described to the commission.