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Anna council approves update to tree‑preservation list, removes ash and Bradford pear from recommended species
Summary
City Council voted unanimously to adopt amendments to Article 9.07 (Tree Preservation) to remove ash and Bradford pear from the recommended lists and to add language encouraging species diversity in new developments.
The City Council of the City of Anna voted unanimously April 22 to amend Article 9.07 (Tree Preservation) of the city code to update tree lists and encourage species diversity in new construction.
Assistant City Manager Greg Peters and staff described the change as the result of a council request and consultation with the Texas A&M Forestry Service. Staff said emerald ash borer and related pests make planting ash species in the region a high‑risk choice and recommended removal. Bradford pear was also recommended for removal because of structural and cultivar concerns outlined by the Forestry Service and staff.
Under the approved changes, Appendix 1 (quality trees) and Appendix 2 (approved planting list) were updated to remove those species and to include a recommended statement for developers. The new language “highly encourages planting multiple tree species throughout the development to increase plant diversity and minimize monoculture” is a strong recommendation rather than a mandatory quota; staff said the phrasing lets plan reviewers push for diversity without creating rigid exceptions that could cause other unintended issues.
Council members who attended the Forestry Service briefing described the session as detailed and said the updated list and guidance will help staff and developers speak the same technical language during plan review. Councilwoman Herndon moved approval; Councilwoman Totten seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
City staff said the ordinance amendment also included technical cleanup to standardize common and scientific tree names so arborists, landscapers and staff are referencing the same species during plan review and permitting. The amendment will be applied during development plan review and will be available to staff as a tool when negotiating development agreements and CC&Rs.
No implementation timeline or effective date other than the council’s approval was specified in the meeting record.
