Every citizen makes a difference in preserving our environment.
Although some may think that the action of one cannot impact the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the food we eat -- think again.
Eight years ago, a uniform city policy was adopted regulating the planting of trees and shrubs. The overwhelming evidence for increasing the tree and shrub population demanded immediate action.
"The presence of trees and shrubs enhances the environment by improving air quality, absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen," reads city ordinance 94-O-224. Additionally, the reduction of noise, glare and reflected heat are cited as benefits of a tree-laden community.
As Laredo lead the state in growth and development, impervious land cover has arisen and is a concern also addressed in the new ordinance.
"The planting of trees, shrubs and other vegetation mitigates the adverse environmental effects of development by reducing the rate and volume of storm water run-off and by reducing soil erosion," the ordinance reads. "The planting of trees and shrubs mitigates the effects of incompatible land uses, providing a visual and sound buffer between adjacent residential and commercial properties, minimizing the adverse effects of increased urbanization on the value of existing properties in the City."
The new ordinance lists and describes buffering, calipers, eligible trees, hedges, landscape easements, medians, mulch, native plants, naturalized plants, shrubs, sidewalks, street trees, visibility triangles, and xeriscape (the use of low maintenance, low water requirement native plants).
A few years later, citizens approached city council about becoming even more aggressive in the planting and preserving of trees.
Under auspices of Parks and Recreation, the Tree Board Committee was established to protect Laredo's vegetation.
"The members of this committee play a very important role in our community as they restrict the cutting of trees especially those that are native and older because they are a treasure," said PARD director Horacio de Leon explained. "A tree takes many, many years to grow and once you chop it down, it's gone forever."
Aside from advocating tree planting, the arbor educated advisory group also began preparations for an application to designate Laredo as an official "Tree City USA."
"In order to receive an official designation, the City was required to meet certain criteria which included the formation of a citizen's advisory committee," explained Tree Board Chairman Richard Gentry, a Laredo nurseryman. "Another criterion is fulfilling a quota of new trees on an annual basis. The designation then increases the opportunities for securing grants from arbor organizations or other friendly environmental groups," he said.
Although the City is still in the process of achieving this recognition, it hasn't stopped the Parks and Recreation Department from planting new trees. Recently, the Tree Board made its recommendation on the planting of 13 new trees at the Benavides Softball Complex.
"Our recommendation focused on hearty trees that would endure the local climate and provide maximum shade," Gentry explained, adding, "We suggested the planting of Live Oaks and Crepe Myrtle for this project and the goals outlined by the Parks department." Another popular tree used by the Parks department is the Fantex Ash because of its rapid growth and heartiness.
Similarly, the Tree Board also participated in making recommendations for the transplanting of eight oak trees situated on Laredo Independent School District property.
"We've always maintained an excellent working relationship with LISD and this presented an opportunity for tree preservation," said de Leon. "LISD is undergoing massive reconstruction and remodeling at many of its elementary schools. As a result, many of the trees were going to be knocked down. Instead, we partnered with them and were able to transplant the oak trees to different parks in Laredo."
The Tree Board meets monthly at the Parks and Recreation Department's main office at 2201 Piedra China.

Tree Board Chair
Richard Gentry

Tree Board Members
Don Fields Nancy Hall
Allison Lamberth Ina Pool
Maria Eugenia Calderon Carlos Castillo