Tree Preservation

Recognizing the importance of trees to our environment and the beauty of our neighborhoods.

With the METRORail Expansion Project currently in full swing, a number of trees along the new alignments are being affected by rail construction activities. METRO is committed to preserving the aesthetic character of the communities where light rail will be located and has instituted a tree preservation process.

TREE MITIGATION PROCESS
METRO, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and affected communities have developed a plan for tree removal and planting along each of the light rail lines under construction. All plans are approved by the City before tree removal begins, and replacement plans are shared with the impacted communities. In addition, METRO strives to partner with local organizations to maximize the benefit of the newly planted trees to the surrounding area.

METRO complies with all applicable City ordinances and policies regarding the removal, preservation and planting of trees and shrubs. It also complies with the schedule that the City has established for the planting of trees. One purpose of the program is to ensure that all trees approved for removal from a public street, median or sidewalk are replaced with trees of comparable size and species.

In some instances, trees cannot be replaced in their original locations. In this case, trees may be replanted, depending on their health and viability, or replacement trees of comparable species are planted in nearby sites in consultation with and approval of the City.

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