Land Clearing in Montrose, Houston, TX

A City of Houston permit is required to remove any tree on city property, including rights of way and medians; the permit is posted on site before work. Urban Forestry removes dead or hazardous trees in street rights of way; private-property trees are the owner's responsibility.

Live oak: large, old oaks over homes and streets; heavy limbs and wide canopies. Water oak: shorter-lived oaks prone to decay and limb failure as they age. Pecan: large yard trees that drop limbs in storms.

Houston requires a permit to remove any tree on city property, including trees in rights of way and medians; the right of way is often the strip between sidewalk and street. Approved permits are posted on site before work starts.

Montrose's century-old live oaks spread over small lots, bungalows, garages and the street, so removals and pruning usually mean careful rigging over roofs and lines.

Overhead lines run along streets and alleys; trees touching them are reported to CenterPoint Energy, and only qualified line-clearance crews work near energized lines.

Small lots, detached garages on alleys, and houses close together mean limited room for equipment; many jobs are climbed and rigged, with wood carried to the street.