How Much Is That Tree?

A tree in a Wylie, Texas neighborhood with the sun setting in the background. Photo by Ms. RuthAnn Jackson.

Published January 17, 2016 By TERESA GUBBINS

Dallas needs to up the value of its trees, says arborist Steve Houser. The value of a tree in Dallas is $100 per diameter inch. City officials have been reluctant to increase the value because they're afraid to alienate developers. That is one thing we do not want to do, upset the developers. However, trees in Dallas are valued lower than other cities: Houston's trees are $240 to $535 per diameter inch. Flower Mound is $250 per diameter inch. Fort Worth and Austin are $200. C'mon, our trees are better than theirs.