Forest Establishment Program

Forest Establishment Program
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Benefits of Trees

Benefits of Trees

More trees mean cleaner air, better water quality, more stormwater absorption, and habitats for wildlife. By planting trees in areas like stormwater detention basins and along channels, the Flood Control District reduces underbrush growth, stabilizes stream banks, and cuts down on maintenance costs. This process helps conserve resources and offers long-term environmental benefits while reducing the acreage we need to mow.

We Preserve: The Flood Control District looks for ways to preserve significant trees on our right-of-way whenever possible, or to identify trees that can be moved in advance of construction projects.

We Plant: The Flood Control District plants tens of thousands of saplings, live stakes, and bare root seedlings annually to enhance capital improvement projects, to replace trees lost during construction, and as part of our maintenance programs. We carefully select potential tree planting sites, giving preference to areas that are suitable for a woodland ecosystem, favorable for tree survival, and do not obstruct access, the flow of stormwater, or future flood control projects.

We Partner: The Flood Control District works with individuals and organizations to plant trees and wildflowers in appropriate places on our property and easements.

ForUsTree Grant Program

ForUsTree Grant Program

The Flood Control District is committed to planting and maintaining 42,000 native trees over five years starting in 2025 through ForUsTree, a community forestry effort led by HARC and funded by the USDA Forest Service.

Together with the Houston Parks Board, Harris County Precinct 2, Harris County Precinct 3, and Harris County Precinct 4, we’re bringing more trees to areas across the county, focusing on underserved communities.

Learn more at www.forustreehtx.org.

How to Plant a Tree on Flood Control District Right-Of-Way

How to Plant a Tree on Flood Control District Right-Of-Way

To ensure a smooth process:

  1. Tree sponsors must submit a written request to plant trees to the Harris County Flood Control District’s Property Management Department. The request should include a project description and a map showing the proposed planting location.
  2. The Flood Control District may be able to provide trees for a planting project. If a sponsor wishes to donate trees, the donation must be approved by Harris County Commissioners Court. Including information about the proposed donation in the written request is sufficient to start that approval process.
  3. The sponsor is responsible for researching property ownership and obtaining permission from the property owner before any trees may be planted. A written “lack of objection” also must be obtained from the Flood Control District when the Flood Control District owns the right-of-way.
  4. Once preliminary approval has been obtained from the Flood Control District, a planting plan must be approved by a Flood Control District forester. The planting plan will include:
    • Number, species, and size of trees
    • Specific locations or spacing of trees
    • A two-year maintenance plan (including watering, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning)
    • Date of planting
    Modifications to the plan may be required. If necessary, the Flood Control District forester will arrange an on-site meeting to discuss the proposed planting.
  5. At least 72 hours in advance of planting, the sponsor must contact Texas811 by dialing 811 and asking for a locate request, or by logging in to the Texas811.org website to verify location of utilities.
  6. The sponsor and all people helping to plant trees must sign a waiver provided by the Flood Control District’s Community Services Section.