City reaches $300,000 settlement over illegal tree removal

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The city of Houston has reached a damages settlement in connection with the unpermitted elimination of oak trees from the public right-of-way at along Kirby Drive.

The trees were chopped down in the middle of the night as part of a construction project near the corner of Kirby and North Boulevard.

"Our trees are valuable resources and their preservation is important to the city," said Mayor Annise Parker. "We have a fair process for developers, but when they violate our policies we will not hesitate to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."

The $300,000 settlement for the six oak trees ranging in size from 10 to 20 inches in diameter was reached within less than three weeks and was based on the value of the removed trees.

The Kirby Drive and North Boulevard oaks had been planted by Trees for Houston volunteers acting on behalf of the Boulevard Oaks Civic Association more than a decade ago.