 |
|
 |
Current News |
|
|
|
|
2009 News Archive |
|
|
|
November 25, 2009
November 24, 2009
September 30, 2009
September 18, 2009
August 26, 2009
July 21, 2009
July 8, 2009
June 30, 2009
June 22, 2009
June 18, 2009
June 3, 2009
April 24, 2009
April 1, 2009
March 27, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
2008 News Archive |
|
|
|
December 8, 2008
September 18, 2008
July 2, 2008
May 29, 2008
April 16, 2008
March 31, 2008
March 25, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 3, 2008
February 13, 2008
February 8, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
2007 News Archive |
|
|
|
|
2006 News Archive |
|
|
|
|
2005 News Archive |
|
|
|
|
2004 News Archive |
|
|
|
|
2003 News Archive |
|
|
|
|
Media Contact Info |
|
|
|
|
|
Harris County Flood Control District Will Set a Tree Planting Record this Year
November 24, 2009
The Harris County Flood Control District is planting nearly 40,000 trees on 48 project sites making this the largest tree planting season in the District's history. While trees certainly help beautify the landscape, the District's reason for planting them is very practical; they help reduce maintenance costs and save taxpayers money.
Saving Taxpayer Money on Trees
Thick canopies of trees slow the growth of grass and consequently reduce the need for frequent mowing. The District mows about 16,000 acres of land along bayous, streams and stormwater detention basins three times a year, costing about $4.8 million annually. Once newly planted trees mature, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of dollars will be saved each year.
Trees also help reduce the risk of erosion. Because many of the soil types in Harris County are highly prone to erosion, the District must spend roughly $8 million each year repairing infrastructure. The web-like root systems of trees help anchor soil in place and protect the banks of channels and stormwater detention basins from erosion.
Furthermore, trees discourage the spread of undesirable vegetation, improve air quality and aesthetics, and even increase quality of life and energy conservation.
Maintaining the Investment
After the plantings, which typically take place from October through March, the District mulches, stakes and waters the trees regularly for two years. Because of this diligent maintenance program, the mortality rate of newly-planted trees is just 5 percent, compared to about 25 percent, which is the average mortality rate for newly-planted trees without regular maintenance. After the first two years, tree maintenance is performed on an as-needed basis.
Trees Louise!
Since 2001, crews have planted roughly 100,000 trees on Flood Control project sites countywide. In fact, the District has planted so many trees it exhausted its local supply and had to begin its own tree nursery at its South Service Center. There, the District currently growing about 6,600 trees, many of which are hard to find, including bald cypress and water tupelo - water-loving trees that can thrive in wet conditions. The tree nursery can accommodate more than 20,000 trees, if needed. Typically, the District plants native trees including loblolly pines, river birch, cherry laurels, sycamores and many types of oak.
> Learn more about the District’s Tree Planting Program
> Learn more about the District’s Vegetation Management Program
> Learn more about the District’s Property Management Program
|
|
|
