On July 5, floods devastated the Sandy Creek area and other parts of western Travis County, leaving behind significant damage and loss. Since then, our community has worked to rebuild and restore a sense of normalcy. A key part of recovery is reestablishing the landscape with trees and native plants. Travis County has assembled biologists and arborists to offer guidance and resources to support residents in restoring their land.
On This Page
Understanding Succession
Succession describes how plant communities gradually change after a major disturbance like flooding or fire. Some changes happen within weeks; others unfold over months or years. While you can let nature take its course, certain phases of recovery can be supported or accelerated with simple restoration actions.
Learn more from HCA Riparian Planting Guide.
Typical succession stages after flooding may include:
- Bare ground — Scoured areas left after floodwaters recede
- Grasses and wildflowers — Early species that quickly establish
- Woody plants — Black willow, eastern baccharis, and other shrubs and small trees
- Mature native trees — Cedar elm, sycamore, cottonwood, pecan
Ways to Support Natural Recovery
Use Logs and Brush to Slow Runoff
Leaving woody debris in place—or arranging it into small berms or piles—helps slow rainwater runoff, protect seedlings from sun exposure, and reduce browsing by deer.
Sustainability Tip 1
Avoid using pesticides or fertilizers. Native plants don’t need these extra chemicals, and with so much bare ground these products may easily runoff the landscape and enter waterways.
Sustainability Tip 2
Seeds are present in the soil and will also blow in with the wind. Allow these plant ‘volunteers’ to germinate and grow and restore diversity and color back to the landscape.
Sustainability Tip 3
These early arrivals pave the way for later stages of succession and the return of woodier plants, shrubs, and trees. Avoid mowing in an effort to let plants and grasses become established and stabilize the soil.
Creekside Considerations
If you are a creek-side neighbor impacted by the floods, there are specific considerations to keep in mind when restoring your land.
First, you may wish to identify floodplain boundaries on your property. This information can help guide your land management objectives. Land in the floodplain is subject to greater threats during heavy rains and recurring flooding can be common. Plants and trees can provide a natural defense against these risks by anchoring soil and absorbing stormwater. Next, consider dedicating floodplain areas on your property as “grow zones” where native plants are left to thrive in a more natural and less-maintained condition. This can be done by avoiding mowing and foot traffic in grow zones.
Floodplain areas are more vulnerable during heavy rains, and repeated flooding is common. Healthy plant communities in these zones help stabilize soil and absorb stormwater.
Consider designating these areas as “grow zones” by:
- Limiting mowing
- Minimizing foot traffic
- Allowing native grasses, shrubs, and trees to establish naturally
Use the TNR Web Map to Find Your Floodplain Boundary
How to check your property in the TNR Web Map:
Open the map and enter your address or TCAD property ID.
Open the Layers menu.
Turn on Flood Hazard Layers to display floodplain boundaries.
Turn on Flood Risk Studies for additional context.
For assistance contact the Travis County Development Services permit office at (512) 854-4245 or [email protected].
Create Creek Access Points Without Disrupting Grow Zones
If you value unobstructed access to the creek for recreation or viewing, you can still maintain it while protecting sensitive areas.
Best practice:
Create one or more designated access points while keeping the surrounding vegetation intact. This preserves the ecological benefits of grow zones while giving you functional entry to the creek.
Learn more
The Hill Country Alliance offers guidance on designing and maintaining creek access points that balance usability with environmental protection.
How, What, and When to Plant
Introducing trees, shrubs, grasses, or wildflowers can help restore your land more quickly after flooding. Native plants are ideal for Central Texas because they require less water, stabilize soil with deep roots, and support local wildlife.
Why choose native plants?
You can improve resilience and reduce long-term maintenance by selecting species adapted to Central Texas.
Native plants are beneficial because they:
- Require less water
- Deep-rooted for erosion control
- Support pollinators and wildlife
- Thrive in local soil and climate conditions
Plant Selection Resources
- Central Texas Gardener – Central Texas gardening and landscaping resources.
- Hill Country Alliance – Guides for seed and plant selection.
- Native Plants of North America - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Planting Methods
There are several effective ways to establish vegetation:
- Seed dispersal
- Tree or shrub cuttings
- Containerized plants
- Grass transplants
Guides to get started:
- City of Austin – Container tree planting guide.
Avoid Non-Native and Invasive Species
Non-native plants often require more water, spread aggressively, and harm native ecosystems by outcompeting local species, disrupting food webs, and altering soil and water dynamics.
Seek Local Support
The Travis County Recovery Alliance (TCRA) is a non-profit organization created to unite neighbors, faith groups, and local partners to restore hope, rebuild homes, and strengthen community resilience.
- Privets (Ligustrum)
- Chinese pistache
- Chaste tree (Texas lilac / Vitex)
- Heavenly bamboo (Nandina)
Choosing native plants not only improves your property’s health and beauty—it protects Central Texas ecosystems for future generations.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery
Restoring the landscape is an ongoing process, but small, intentional actions can help speed natural restoration. Simple practices—like arranging small piles of brush—can slow runoff, keep soil in place, and create sheltered spaces where seeds can take root and grow beyond the reach of browsing animals. Native seeds and plants are especially well-adapted to Central Texas conditions and provide essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Whether you choose to let the land recover at its own pace or take steps to accelerate succession, local nurseries and organizations such as the Native Plant Society of Texas, Hill Country Alliance, and Texas A&M Forest Service offer valuable guidance. And when neighbors share knowledge and resources, the entire community benefits from stronger, healthier landscapes.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Up After The Flood – Texas Water Resources Institute | Guidance for safe, effective post-flood cleanup. |
| Healing in the Hill Country, A Guide to Flood Recovery – Hill Country Alliance | Practical steps for ecological and property recovery after floods. |
| Woody Debris Management – Hill Country Alliance | Best practices for using downed wood to support restoration. |
| Grow Zones & Targeted Access – Hill Country Alliance | How to balance creek access with healthy riparian vegetation. |
| Riparian Planting Guide – Hill Country Alliance | Planting techniques and species tips for creekside areas. |
| A Guide for Creekside Residents – City of Austin | Creek-friendly landscaping and stewardship recommendations. |
| Hillside Stewardship – Hill Country Alliance | Tips for stabilizing and restoring steep or eroding slopes. |
| Grow Green Native Plant Guide Resources – City of Austin | Database of native plants suited to Austin-area landscapes. |
| 11 Steps to Plant a Tree – City of Austin | Simple, illustrated instructions for successful tree planting. |
| Native Plant Society of Texas | Statewide resources for native plant education and selection. |
| TreeFolks | Local organization offering tree education and planting support. |
| Native Plants of North America – Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Extensive database of native plants across the continent. |
| Invasive Plants in Central Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service | How to identify and avoid common invasive species. |
| National Suppliers Directory – Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Directory of native plant growers and seed suppliers. |
| Central Texas Invasive Plants | Information about invasive plant species. |
| Central Texas Gardener | Central Texas gardening and landscaping resources. |
