Catalog 03: Parking Lots & Paved Surfaces

Site Type

Parking Lots & Paved Surfaces

Converted hardscape, parking lot islands, and former paved surfaces requiring maximum urban heat island mitigation.

This catalog is designed using the Houston Miyawaki Forest Planning Guide v0.8 species selection criteria — all species validated for Houston's USDA zones 8a–8b and the specific site conditions of this catalog type.

Site Specifications

Planting Density 3.2 plants/sq meter (~298 plants per 1,000 sf)

Planting Window October–March

Self-Sustaining By Month 24–36

USDA Zones 8a–8b (Houston)

Species Composition

Recommended species mix

All species are native to the Houston region and validated for this site type. Percentages represent target proportions of total planting count.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Layer	% Mix	Notes
Eastern Red Cedar	Juniperus virginiana	Emergent	8%	Extreme heat tolerance; fast-growing; year-round screening
Mexican Buckeye	Ungnadia speciosa	Emergent	7%	Stunning spring bloom; compact canopy; drought tolerant. ⚠ Reaches eastern range limit near Houston; requires well-drained soils
Eastern Redbud	Cercis canadensis var. texensis	Sub-Canopy	15%	Spectacular spring color; heat tolerant; fast canopy
Texas Persimmon	Diospyros texana	Sub-Canopy	12%	Texas persimmon; drought tolerant; excellent wildlife food
Yaupon Holly	Ilex vomitoria	Sub-Canopy	8%	Evergreen buffer; thrives in reflected heat
Elbow Bush	Forestiera pubescens	Sub-Canopy	5%	Extremely drought and heat tolerant; 10–15 ft; deciduous; early spring flowers
Agarito	Mahonia trifoliolata	Shrub	12%	3–6 ft; reaches eastern range limit near Houston — source from regional nurseries; heat tolerant; security barrier; spring flowers
Chiltepin	Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum	Shrub	10%	⚠ Native to South TX, not Harris County; tender perennial in Houston. Small red peppers; attracts birds. Alt: Callicarpa americana
Texas Buckwheat	Eriogonum texanum	Shrub	8%	⚠ Central TX endemic; limited Houston nursery availability; not native to Harris County. Alt: Conoclinium greggii
Gregg's Mistflower	Conoclinium greggii	Ground Cover	6%	Monarch butterfly magnet; spreads aggressively
Wood Aster	Symphyotrichum drummondii	Ground Cover	4%	Shade tolerant; fills ground layer under canopy
Black-eyed Susan	Rudbeckia hirta	Ground Cover	3%	Yellow daisy flowers May–October; native to Harris County; full sun; attracts pollinators

Site-Specific Guidance

Key considerations for this site type.

🌡️

Sub-base Preparation

Former pavement requires full base removal to 18-inch depth plus compaction remediation before planting. Asphalt sub-base residues can impede drainage — test soil pH and drainage before amendment.

💧

Mandatory Irrigation

Paved surface conversions require automated drip irrigation for the full Year 1 establishment period — heat island effects significantly increase water demand vs. natural sites.

🏙️

Heat Island Metrics

Parking lot conversions are the highest-impact site type for urban heat reduction. Expect measurable surface temperature reduction of 15–25°F within 2 growing seasons as canopy closes.

🐝

Pollinator Priority

Urban hardscape conversions create critical pollinator stepping stones. Maximize Gregg's Mistflower, Texas Buckwheat, and Chiltepin planting density — these species provide exceptional pollinator habitat in hot, exposed conditions.