Dallas’ Katy Trail set for landscaping makeover

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — The Dallas Park and Recreation Department is about to overhaul Katy Trail with the first of several landscaping projects, including the replacement of ailing trees.

"The trail’s new look begins with replacing non-native, fast-growing and short-lived tree species not sustainable for this location," said Walter Passmore, a forester for the city of Dallas. "Replacing them will create a more aesthetic backdrop and transform the canopy along the trail into a healthy, safe, high-functioning forest with a variety of hardy species complementary to this location."

TXU workers will start this week by removing several hundred trees along two sections of the trail, a process that'll take about two weeks. The trail will remain open, although certain sections could close for several days.

Most of the declining trees are Chinese tree-of-heaven, Chinaberry, sugarberry, hackberry and a few elms and cottonwoods. Removing selected trees addresses a public safety concern, as the bigger trees have begun to interfere with hazardous power lines along the trail.

Passmore said replanting along the trail with of a variety of flowering native Texas trees will begin immediately. The Friends of Katy Trail will place the first of the new trees on the northern trail section from Knox Street to Airline Boulevard.

The National Arbor Day Foundation named Dallas a Tree City USA in recognition of its commitment to preserving the urban forest, the first time the city has received that honor. The city’s annual Arbor Day celebration is April 19 at Reverchon Park.

A public-private partnership, the trail beautification brings together the Friends of Katy Trail, Dallas Park and Recreation Department and TXU Electric Delivery to enhance the recreational experience for urban outdoor enthusiasts.

Source: City of Dallas