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Did you know that your landscaping can affect the city's recovery from storm damage? The Tree and Shrub Ordinance was adopted by City Council over 25 years ago, and has successfully maintained our green canopy. However, the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl last year highlighted the impact that storm damaged trees can have on overhead utility lines. The Planning and Development Department collaborated with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) Urban Forestry division and CenterPoint to clarify definitions within the Tree and Shrub Ordinance. Appropriate tree selection, planting and placement will prevent trees from growing too close to power lines, ultimately helping Houston maintain our power during storm events.
These clarifications relate to the type of trees allowed to be planted under powerlines, as well as the distance from power lines required for appropriate tree planting. The Planning and Development Department clarified that “under power line” be defined as 20 feet from the center of the overhead utility lines. HPARD will add these to the list of trees approved under power lines: Little Gem' Magnolia, American Holly, Yaupon Holly, Possumhaw Holly. The Crape Myrtle and Texas Pistache are not native to Houston and are not recommended for planting under power lines.
Read this Right Tree Right Place guide from CenterPoint for more information.
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