In a move aimed at enhancing the appeal and safety of Foley's neighborhoods, the city's planning commission has approved a proposal requiring the planting of trees along Foley's streets.

The commission's decision amends the city's subdivision regulations to mandate tree planting in street rights-of-way for all new subdivision approvals.

Wayne Dyess, executive director of infrastructure and development, highlighted the numerous benefits of this initiative.

"Street trees bring value to a community including beautification, walkability, traffic calming and stormwater benefits," Dyess told commission members. "When you look at beautiful streets, they usually have trees."
Dyess underscored the positive impact of trees on neighborhood dynamics.

"It creates a nice environment and fosters a sense of pride in your neighborhood and your community," Dyess said. "It gives it an identity and boosts morale and positive effects on property value."

Under the revised regulations, trees must be planted along rights-of-way between sidewalks and roads. The new trees will be required to be a minimum of 8 feet tall and 3 inches in diameter, and they will be planted prior to the construction of houses. The regulations also stipulate measures to protect trees during construction activities.

Once subdivisions are approved, Foley will assume responsibility for maintaining the trees in the rights-of-way, similar to its maintenance of sidewalks and streets.

Dyess also emphasized the safety benefits of the initiative, pointing out that the trees will create a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic.

"When you place the street trees between the sidewalk and the travel lanes of the street, it also creates protection for the pedestrian walking because it creates a little buffer zone there," Dyess said.

The regulations further require the planting of a variety of tree species within neighborhoods to mitigate risks associated with disease outbreaks or aging cycles. Deciduous trees, which shed leaves in the fall, are preferred for many streets due to their seasonal benefits of shade in summer and light penetration in winter.

However, Dyess cautioned against certain species like live oaks for street planting, citing potential sidewalk damage caused by their expansive root systems.

Additionally, Dyess highlighted the role of trees in stormwater management.

"When you have street trees, the roots absorb and filter the water but also as the water droplets fall from the sky, they act as a dissipater," he said. "As the rain hits the tree, the limbs and the leaves, it disperses and spreads out so it's not going directly to the ground which slows the velocity down as well which is another benefit."

The approved regulations will apply to future subdivision developments seeking city approval, with existing developments exempt from the new requirements.