Morris Road emerges as preferred site in Flower Mound tree‑planting plan; council discusses species and grant options

Flower Mound — The town’s assistant director of budget and strategy, Sarah Luxton, presented proposed sites and species options for the third annual tree‑planting project. She said a resident survey favored Morris Road and that, while early planning identified up to 100 trees for that corridor, utility easements and sight‑line constraints have already reduced that estimate (engineering review noted 88 potential planting spots and staff expects a feasible first‑phase plant of about 50 trees).

Luxton told council the town is applying for an A&M Forestry Grant with a March 1 deadline and that past plantings included 46 trees at Shadow Ridge Park. She asked for council direction on site selection and species preferences. Councilors discussed native vs. ornamental choices (yaupon, redbud, vitex, crepe myrtle) and whether to include crepe myrtles despite the Environmental Conservation Committee’s preference for natives. One councilor urged a mix while noting aesthetic benefits; another raised maintenance and irrigation cost concerns.

Council asked staff to work with Public Works and the parks team to refine a planting plan, to confirm species availability and tree sizes (staff said 30‑gallon stock is typical), and to return with a more detailed plan after grant results are known. No formal vote was taken; council signaled support to move forward with preparations and to prioritize Morris Road as the first phase if grant funding is secured.

Provenance: presentation and discussion led by Sarah Luxton (SEG 1741–2175).