Greg Abbott has decided that trees are nothing more than property; same as an old car or piece of junk mail. Get rid of it if you don’t want it. Continue reading SB 1377 – Tree Killing Bill
Category: community
The Oldest Trees in Central Texas
Historical context is one my favorite attributes of trees. But, how old are trees, really? Specifically, how old are trees in my neck of the woods here in central Texas? I’m pretty sure there’s no one alive today who has seen the oldest tree in central Texas; with no one alive to ask, that leaves us looking for clues. Continue reading The Oldest Trees in Central Texas
Keith Brown Appointed to Urban Forestry Board
Do you know about the City of Austin’s Urban Forestry Board? The primary purpose of the board is to provide the citizens of Austin a portal to voice their concerns about policies and practices regarding the city’s public trees. Continue reading Keith Brown Appointed to Urban Forestry Board
Kolkhorst Anti Tree Bill
Just today, one of my respected colleagues, Heather Brewer, a municipal forester in the City of Georgetown, turned me on to a bill that is being introduced by Republican house member Lois Kolkhorst. Kolkhorst is from Brenham, TX. Her proposal aims to put maximum limits on tree mitigation that a government entity can require. And, the proposal prevents a municipality from enforcing tree protection in extra-territorial jurisdictions. As much as we all hate complicated law, there is a need for it. Expecting us to all get along without rules is overly optimistic. So, I do think some variety of state regulation could be useful if the language is well written. However, this proposal raises an eyebrow on me for many reasons. Continue reading Kolkhorst Anti Tree Bill
Tree Removal Permit in Austin
Be careful before you remove a tree in your yard if you live in Austin. Many of the trees in Austin are protected. Possibly even some in your yard! The city’s tree protection ordinance is somewhat complicated. Here is some info to get you started.
- In residential settings, trees 19″ DBH (diameter at breast height, approx 4.5′) and larger are protected
- In commercial settings, trees 8″ DBH and larger are protected
- Trees 24″ and larger are classified with heritage status
- Removing or pruning out more than 25% of the canopy of a protected tree requires a permit
Rainwater Harvesting / Collection
As much as I want to believe that my exhaustive arborist knowledge and skills are the saving grace for all trees I encounter, the reality is rain does more good than anything I can dream up. Unless… if I could provide trees with rainwater on demand! Hello rainwater harvesting. Did you know that irrigation water from a well or the city’s supply is vastly different than rainwater? Continue reading Rainwater Harvesting / Collection
Now Hiring Arborist / Salesman
We are currently looking to hire an ISA certified arborist for a sales position. Come join our team of knowledgeable tree workers and help keep Austin Green! Continue reading Now Hiring Arborist / Salesman
City of Westlake Hills Tree Ordinance Information
On February 10, 2010 the City of Westlake Hills adopted a new tree ordinance. You can read the document in its entirety here. But, I’d like to offer you these important items in the ordinance.
- You must have a permit for any tree pruning if you hire a service. If you do the pruning yourself, there are some allowance, but you should contact Christy to keep yourself out of trouble.
- Trees up to 6″ diameter can be removed without permit.
- Trees 6″ and larger can be Continue reading City of Westlake Hills Tree Ordinance Information
No Tree Left Behind
Trees are the original green. I’m talking about the green movement. Almost every community across the country has some kind of tree ordinance these days. We know trees make a big contribution to the health and beauty of our living space, but what is the best way to ensure trees get what they need to sustain. After all, we’re insisting the trees remain, but they’re only beneficial to us as healthy, lush canopies. Unhealthy trees fall down. That’s just how it works. That’s what old trees do as they die. All too often the tall green objects we covet aren’t allowed the conditions they need to thrive. The solutions is that every tree needs to be addressed as an individual…”No Tree Left Behind.”
Continue reading No Tree Left Behind
Sick Pecan Trees of 2010
This has been a terrible year for the pecan trees of Austin, TX. Quite a sad story I must say. The drought of 2008-2009 has been said to be the worst 2 year drought period in 60 years. It has taken a toll on the pecan trees for sure. This year we’ve cut down many pecans that didn’t leaf out this spring. Many more did come out with severe die-back.
