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Burleson unveils phased soil remediation plan for Centennial Park to protect trees
Summary
Urban forester Jesse Farris reported alkaline soils, presence of Phytophthora and other opportunistic pathogens at Centennial Park; staff proposed targeted sulfur and deep‑root fertilization, biochar and mulching, fungicide treatments, species changes, community plantings, and a three‑year monitoring plan with grant pursuit.
City staff announced a multi‑year plan to remediate soil and improve tree health at Centennial Park after testing found high alkalinity and signs of soilborne pathogens.
Jesse Farris, the city’s urban forester, told council soil pH at the park is near 8—"a little too alkaline for our tree species"—and tests showed low availability of iron and phosphorus and the presence of Phytophthora and opportunistic fungal pathogens. Farris said lacebark elms planted at the park are not well suited to the native soil conditions and that a combination of compaction and underground utility conflicts likely contributed to the trees’ decline.
Farris proposed a phased three‑year remediation strategy: targeted deep‑root fertilization focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus, localized sulfur applications to increase acidity around root zones (not broad liming), biochar and mulch to enhance microbial activity, air spading to relieve compaction, and three fungicide treatments for Phytophthora. The plan also includes more resilient species selection, plantings funded through a Texas A&M grant (98 trees gained through the grant), an Arbor Day planting April 24, and community education and research partnerships.
Staff said initial year‑one treatments were completed in February and that a tree inventory tool (TreePlotter) and public transparency materials will follow. Council commended the plan and asked technical questions about planting footprint and species selection.
