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Urban Forestry Division
The City of McAllen Urban Forestry Division is responsible for developing a maintenance program for the city’s trees by identifying and removing dead, dying and low
hanging trees along main arterial streets that will likely fail or cause traffic hindrance.
The division is also tasked with developing an inventory of trees for future planning and also fosters appreciation for McAllen’s trees.
The Urban Forestry Program will position the City of McAllen as a leader for today and will help create cooler temperatures over time. Trees add shade and increase property
values.
Native Plants and Trees
Native plants are those that evolved in South Texas before humans introduced plants from distant places. They have been here a long time and have adapted to the soil
and temperature conditions over hundreds or thousands of years. Once native plants are established they usually require little additional watering and fertilization.
They also resist most pests and diseases in the area. Our wildlife prefers their food value provided by beans to nuts.
The native plants of South Texas play an important role in providing food and shelter for both people and wildlife. Many of the plants provided food, fuel, fiber, dyes
and medicines for the early inhabitants, as well as the present residents. Our native trees, shrubs and flowers are unique and add a lot of character to your garden.
Natives provide natural balance and beauty to South Texas.
The Rio Grande Valley is known as one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. Currently there are over 1,000 documented plant species in this area.
Quinta Mazatlan has a small remnant of the South Texas vegetation that once covered the Rio Grande Valley. The plants are well adapted to a hot, semi-arid climate. Most
of the plants have thorns for protection. So we fondly call our natural habitat a “Thornforest”.
Take a walk in the woods and gardens at Quinta Mazatlan and meet some of the beautiful native trees
of the Rio Grande Valley.
Benefits
- Saves Water - Natives in south Texas were born to be drought tolerant
- Saves Money and Time - Naturescapes require less maintenance
- Feeds Birds & Wildlife - Many of our birds depend on our native plants that produce berries and legumes. Designing a naturescape means you’re also
designing to support birds and butterflies in your backyard.
- Adds Color and Character - Native plants are interesting and uncommon and will turn an average garden into an esthetically interesting garden.
A single street tree provides returns of more than $90,000 of direct benefits, plus the aesthetic and environmental benefits!
Properly placed and spaced trees slow motorized traffic by 3 to 8 mph, which makes streets safer. These trees provide a vertical structure and a defined edge, which
helps motorists guide movements and assess their speed.
Business districts with large and well-placed trees can expect sales to increase by 10 to 15%. Trees create a more comfortable and relaxed retail environment, helping
shoppers have a more pleasurable retail experience.
Furthermore, trees help with drainage problems. Trees absorb the first 30% of most precipitation, which is water that never hits the ground, reducing the probability
of storm water runoff and flooding.