What Is Tree Mitigation and Why Is It Important for North Texas Tree Sustainability?

As North Texas continues rapid development, many trees are cut down or transplanted to make way for commercial, residential, and personal use. To compensate for the loss of green space, each city in Dallas/Fort Worth requires mitigation as part of its tree preservation plans and ordinances. So, whether you’re a property owner looking to develop a piece of land or a homeowner wanting to learn more about tree preservation, read on! This blog post will explore tree mitigation, why it’s essential, and how it contributes to North Texas tree sustainability.

What is Tree Mitigation? 

Tree mitigation is the compensation for removing protected trees on a construction site. When certain trees are removed to make way for new developments, cities require property owners to take actions that ensure the site remains sustainable and that community forests are maintained. While all Dallas/Fort Worth cities have tree preservation ordinances, the process and requirements for tree mitigation vary from city to city. Still, the main goal is to protect healthy, valuable trees and preserve the town’s natural beauty.

Why is Tree Mitigation Important for North Texas Property Developers? 

Tree mitigation services are essential to any construction project as it helps restore the existing green space. Tree mitigation enables the development of a proper site plan strategy, protects valuable trees from harm during construction, preserves the natural beauty of the landscape, and achieves the project’s desired aesthetics. A proper tree mitigation strategy is not only required by law but leads to the success of construction projects and saves property owners thousands of dollars. TreeNewal ISA Certified Arborists offer tree mitigation services assisting clients in creating tree protection plans that comply with local guidelines and minimize compliance costs. We also provide recommendations on which trees should remain based on their value or are subject to removal.

Why is Tree Mitigation Important for Dallas Homeowners? 

Most people only think about tree mitigation once they want to renovate their home or make new additions like driveways, storage sheds, or pathways. In reality, tree mitigation should be considered at the time of tree planting. As they grow, trees can impact construction, disrupt under and above-ground utilities, pose safety hazards, and damage infrastructure. Understanding these aspects before planting trees can protect customer investments and ensure the preservation and sustainability of North Texas trees.

How Does Tree Mitigation Work?

Depending on your property’s location, tree mitigation standards can differ. Each town has a specific tree preservation ordinance based on its purpose and intent. For instance, Argyle has the goal of maintaining 35% tree canopy cover over the town, while Southlake aims to protect and increase the value of residential and commercial properties within the city and maintain its identity as Tree City USA.

Before any construction can begin, a tree survey is required for development applications and tree removal or replacement permits. Tree surveys are performed by ISA Certified Arborists and identify all trees on the property, including trees protected by the city. Protected trees are determined by their species, size, significance, and value. Each municipality in DFW has its own list of protected trees and specifications. If the city approves the removal of these trees, property owners are responsible for tree mitigation which these two options:

Plant replacement trees: property owners are responsible for planting a sufficient number of trees equal to the value of the protected trees removed. Each city has a list of approved replacement trees for planting, and they must be planted on the same site or in an approved location if the site conditions are not feasible.

Pay a fee: instead of replacement tree planting, property owners can make a payment to the city reforestation fund. The city sets the payment amount, which is calculated based on various factors like the cost of a suitable replacement tree, the cost of care and maintenance for 1-3 years, etc. Suppose a tree is dying, has significant decay, is diseased, or is infested with tree pests. In this case, a TreeNewal ISA Certified Arborist can assist in lowering mitigation fees paid to the city and help the builder or property owner conform to North Texas tree mitigation ordinances.

How Does Tree Mitigation Contribute to Tree Sustainability? 

Any amount of construction activity has the potential to do irreparable damage to North Texas community forests. In addition to protecting valuable, healthy trees from harm, tree mitigation services preserve the natural beauty of community landscapes while achieving the desired aesthetics of the construction project. When North Texas trees are removed, it takes a toll on nearby trees, changes the soil composition, reduces the aesthetic value of North Texas communities, and displaces habitats for local wildlife. Trees in urban forests play a vital role in our quality of life, and their importance cannot be overstated. Tree mitigation works to preserve North Texas trees, protects them from harm, and ensures the long-term sustainability of new and existing DFW communities.

Sustainable Tree Care Services 

As a DFW-based tree care company, our ISA Certified Arborists have extensive experience assisting property owners navigate tree preservation ordinances in Dallas, Fort Worth, Argyle, Southlake, Westlake, Flower Mound, and Denton. We have been providing tree surveys and mitigation services for over 15 years, and we can help ensure your construction project’s success while enhancing DFW tree health. Aside from protecting trees during construction, TreeNewal offers on-site monitoring and advanced planning. After construction, our tree care specialists provide proactive tree care services, including tree pruning and trimming, tree nutrition, soil conditioning, emergency tree services, and more to mitigate the effects of construction on trees and restore them to optimal health. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists, Dallas tree care specialists and tree surgeons are committed to protecting our customer’s investments, promoting DFW tree health, and ensuring North Texas stays sustainable and beautiful for years to come. Call (817) 592-6846 to learn more!