Council briefed on creation of Street Forestry Division

Council briefed on creation of Street Forestry Division

The Dallas City Council was briefed on a proposal to create a Street Forestry Division within the Streets Department, which would monitor and maintain all trees near Dallas streets.

The proposal calls for creation of an Urban Forestry Department responsible for the Great Trinity Forest and all trees in the city. The Great Trinity Forest provides 20 percent of all tree benefits to the greater Dallas area. Currently, Dallas is cutting down more trees than it plants, and an Urban Forestry Department would work to reverse that.

A Street Forestry team would also develop an inventory of trees across the City, identify planting opportunities, provide health assessments and teach citizens and staff about maintenance and best methods for planting and caring of trees.

Natural shade provided by trees reduces the “heat island” effect in cities, improves air quality and lowers energy costs. In areas prone to flooding, trees also provide natural flood barriers and absorb water through their root systems.

Read the entire Street Forestry proposal here.

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