Fair Oaks Ranch approves free tree giveaway to mitigate trees removed for utility projects

The Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on Oct. 16 approved a resolution authorizing a free tree giveaway to mitigate the removal of protected and heritage trees for two city utility projects.

Kelsey Delgado, project manager for the city, told the council the giveaway would provide 109 three‑ and five‑gallon trees for residents and 11 15‑gallon trees for the country club, based on the mitigation formula the city applied to the projects. Delgado said the cost of the trees is approximately $5,000 and would be charged to the projects and budgeted through the utility fund.

Delgado described the pickup process as first‑come, first‑served, with address verification to ensure recipients live in Fair Oaks Ranch and one tree allowed per household. She said the city plans to use native Texas, drought‑tolerant species, and expects to include both flowering and hardwood varieties depending on nursery availability.

Councilmember Jonathan Swarick moved approval; Dale Pearson seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the signup process (online, phone or in‑person signups were discussed) and schedule the giveaway event. The resolution fulfills mitigation requirements by replacing trees based on a replacement‑tree count rather than a strict trunk‑circumference 1:1 ratio.