Tree preservation zones for Conroe, Texas are established along primary streets, side streets, and on the boundary of nonresidential and residential areas. In certain situations, a rear boundary line preservation zone is also established. Parking lots require 60 sq. ft. of canopy per parking space (within the lot or immediately adjacent to the perimeter). Parking areas in excess of 250 spaces require at least 50 percent of tree canopy within the interior. The minimum canopy standard is 20 percent of the gross site area for manufacturing or warehousing, and 30 percent for all nonresidential and residential land uses.

"The city's tree ordinance is the primary tool that provides systematic protection of specified trees, promoting health, safety, and welfare and enhancing the quality of life for its residents."
"?uCity of Conroe, Texas, Urban Forest Technical Manual



East Texas Trees
The city of Conroe is located in the northern suburbs of rapidly expanding Houston. This city is blessed with abundant forests. It is a Gulf Coast community where an annual rainfall of 49 inches supports the growing of verdant trees and forestland.

A sustainable urban forest is important to the quality of life in this coastal community. Residents understand that trees provide environmental benefits: shade, air quality, ambient temperature control, aesthetics, clean water and wildlife habitat.

The city has been working since 1966 to preserve trees in the community. They have two tools to do this, including their tree ordinance, and an excellent Urban Forestry Technical Manual (https://tinyurl.com/ptsdq76) prepared by the Houston firm Burdette Consultants. Tree regulations were updated in 2003, 2005, 2008 and most recently in August 2014. They are presently being revised to make them more reader friendly.

The Conroe, Texas Urban Forestry Technical Manual (https://tinyurl.com/ptsdq76) establishes specific technical regulations, standards and specifications for preservation/replacement of the canopy; maintenance of protected trees; tree surveys; criteria for determining when a tree is unsafe; and best management practices for replacement of trees and survival of trees affected by construction activity.
Drawing: Abbey Associates

Conroe Code
One of the most interesting things about the Conroe code is that this is an "unzoned community," i.e., the city does not specify zoning districts. Tree canopy is shared somewhat equally among land use types. Instead of zoning in the classical sense, the community uses a Land Development Code to control growth and land use compatibility. This code consists of seven chapters that regulate flooding, off street parking, signage, subdivisions, manufactured homes, telecommunication towers and vegetation. Tree regulations and preservation policy is contained in Chapter 102, Land Development Regulations (MuniCode). Chapter 102 consists of three divisions covering context, technical standards and administrative procedures. I note this arrangement of code language is exactly as has been taught at LSU for over two decades.

Conroe does not have a landscape code, since it is an unzoned community. Landscape codes, unlike tree regulations, are always contained within zoning law. However, a landscape plan is required, as found in Sec. 102-19. Tree requirements and canopy regulations are found within Chapter 102-Vegetation, Article I-Trees, Div. 1, §102-1, (Ord. No. 2208-14, § 2(Exh. A), 8-28-2014).

Tree Preservation Highlights
Protected trees are defined and permits are required for tree removal and timber harvesting. Tree preservation zones are established along primary streets, sides streets and on the boundary of nonresidential and one and two-family residential areas. In certain situations, a rear boundary line preservation zone is also established. The minimum canopy standard is defined as 20 percent of gross site area for manufacturing or warehousing, and 30 percent for all nonresidential and residential land uses.

Not less than one-third of the required canopy area shall be provided by the preservation of existing trees. The remaining percentage (66) shall be realized by planting replacement trees.

Canopy credit toward subdivision development shall be credited at 1,800 sq. ft. of canopy for each lot. A minimum of three trees is to be preserved on each lot. Lots not containing trees shall have trees planted by the developer.

Parking lots shall have 60 sq. ft. of canopy per parking space, either within or immediately adjacent to the perimeter. Parking areas in excess of 250 spaces shall have at least 50 percent of tree canopy within the interior.

A list of species of native or Texas adapted species is recommended for all replacement plantings. Parking lots shall be buffered from public street view with shrubs at the rate of one shrub per three linear feet of exposed perimeter. Tree measurement for existing trees is taken by tree stand and individual trees. They are measured by DBA (diameter at breast height) on a sliding scale:
1=Less than 8 inches diameter
2=Between 8 and 16 inches diameter
3=Between 16 and 25 inches diameter
4=More than 25 inches in diameter

Canopy size varies from 600 sq. ft. to 1,800 sq. ft., depending on tree growth potential. Habitat protection is encouraged by this code. The incentive is to allow a one-half canopy credit for all understory plant materials preserved within tree stands.

Replacement trees shall be 3-inch caliper and shall take place within street preservation zones, boundary line buffers, within or around parking lots and within tree preservation easements within subdivision developments.

Tree surveys are required by a city-registered urban forest professional. Landscape plans shall show trees to be removed, replaced, and planted along with the minimum canopy standards and calculations. A licensed landscape architect shall prepare landscape plans.

Sustainable Urban Forest Canopy
The Conroe Urban Forest Technical Manual is a relatively new approach to tree preservation standards by requiring a minimum canopy over all development. The city understands this type of standard is a measure of good site design.

The tree ordinance in Conroe is a well thought out example of how to preserve a minimum urban forest. The preservation of this canopy is a step toward a more sustainable future. A well stocked diverse, canopy provides many environmental benefits.

Readers may contact the author at lsugreenlaws@aol.com, or call Abbey Associates Landscape Architecture at 225.766.0922.