Trees for Katy
Trees for Katy is a volunteer program, dedicated to planting trees in the unincorporated area between Houston and Katy area. We believe that we must both protect the trees that have long protected us - and plant new trees to cool our surroundings where trees have given way to urban development.
Our mission is to plant trees to benefit all of us who live and work in Katy North, uniting and educating our community to lay the foundations for a healthy and supportive environment for generations to come.
Volunteers are what makes our mission happen. Volunteers not only plant trees but reach out to the community to educate residents about why trees matter. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the contact form below. We will reach out to you to outline the volunteer opportunities and lay out our plans for future planting events.
Why Trees Matter
Trees are a beautiful part of the natural environment, but they make a difference for communities as well. From the National Wildlife Refuge, here are some proven ways that trees matter.
Trees Cool Cities
Not only do trees provide refreshing shade, but they also help keep the air around them cooler. They don’t absorb as much heat as pavement or building materials.
So they help neighborhoods feel cooler — in some cases, areas with many trees can stay up to 8-10 degrees cooler than nearby neighborhoods without them. This heat disparity - or urban heat island effect - is pronounced in parts of our community.
Trees Provide Habitat for Wildlife
Three main components of wildlife habitat: food, cover, and places to raise young, can all be provided by trees. Wherever trees are established, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow, ensuring a healthier and more biodiverse ecosystem.
Trees Filter and Store Fresh Water
Trees are an important part of the water cycle. They take in rainfall and filter out the sediments and pollutants. Then they slowly release it back into the water stream, where it can make its way to you.
Water supplies from trees are also steadier than rivers or reservoirs, since it’s returned to the water cycle over time.
Trees Reduce Flooding
Trees lessen the force of storms and reduce the amount of runoff into sewers, streams and rivers, improving water quality and reducing flooding.
Trees Promote Community
Trees enhance our community’s sense of pride and ownership. For our kids, it shows them that by contributing their time and working together, they can make a difference. For our residents, it unites us, recognizing we can protect and extend something that we value. For our community leaders, it shows that building partnerships for the public good is possible.
A Heat Disparity in Katy North
Katy North is made of 43 Census Block Groups. This chart shows two measures of urban heat - the "Tree Canopy Coverage" or the percentage of the block group's total area that is covered by tree shade. The "heat disparity" is the number of degrees Fahrenheit that the block group's ambient temperature exceeds comparable temperatures in urban areas. The area average for canopy coverage is 17%, and the average heat disparity is 7.8 degrees F. Note: only block groups with measures significantly greater than the area average are depicted. The green bars identify block groups that are disproportionately cooler than the average; the brown bars identify block groups that are disproportionately warmer than the aveage.
Tree Planting Opportunities
Esplanades
Newly-Constructed Sidewalks
Newly-Constructed Sidewalks
Katy North has a number of esplanades on its major and minor arterials: many have trees but they are irregular in number and canopy. A planned effort to increase canopy coverage is very possible, perhaps placing trees in "linear" patterns that reduce mowing requirements.
Newly-Constructed Sidewalks
Newly-Constructed Sidewalks
Newly-Constructed Sidewalks
Harris County Precinct 4 has constructed miles of sidewalks in Katy North - begging for trees to shade pedestrians and cyclists. The amount of right of way available for planting varies - but in some cases, adjacent property owners may be persuaded to give permission for trees to be planted.
Schools
Detention Basins
Detention Basins
Planting trees in school property benefits the residents of adjacent communities - but they also have a direct benefit for the students who attend those schools. There are a number of Katy ISD schools who have lots of space for trees - and there are a number that are in the middle of the area's "heat island". As with esplanades, trees may be planted in patterns that minimize mowing costs.
Detention Basins
Detention Basins
Detention Basins
In some parts of Katy North, urban development has left little vacant property or esplanades to plant trees. In these areas, the detention facilities owned by area MUDs may be ideal to reduce heat disparities. Trees have also proven to be beneficial to the performance of detention basins. Planted properly, they can avert soil erosion and increase the storage capacity of these basins.