Most developers clear the land and plant trees later. Newman did it the other way around.

When Newman Commercial Real Estate began site work on Gosling Oaks in 2023, they encountered three large heritage live oaks on the property — trees estimated to be between 150 and 250 years old. Standard practice would have been to remove them. They were in the way.

Newman chose a different path.

Working with Treemover, a specialty contractor, the team relocated all three trees within the site — a significant undertaking that required careful root preparation, heavy equipment, and precise timing. Moving a tree of that size and age is not a routine operation. It is logistically complex and demands a level of care most development timelines don't accommodate.

The trees took root in their new locations. And they became the project.

Why It Mattered

For Nate Newman, the decision wasn't a marketing calculation. It was a conviction.

“We are called to be stewards of the land, and to me that meant: let’s save these trees and build an interactive destination around them that everyone can enjoy.”

That belief shaped everything that followed. Rather than fitting the trees into an existing site plan, Newman designed Gosling Oaks around them. Each relocated oak became the anchor of a distinct public space: Gosling Green, a gathering lawn with a putting green and performance stage. Canopy Square, a family courtyard and children’s play area. Biergarten Grove, a 4,000 square foot patio envisioned for a local brewery and curated restaurant tenants.

The Site Has Only Grown Greener Since

The 2023 relocation was just the beginning. In early 2026, Newman installed 19 additional mature 30-foot Overcup Oaks across the site, further establishing the tree canopy and green character of the development before a single building opened. Combined with the main entry drive, hand-laid brick crosswalks, and completed site infrastructure, Gosling Oaks is already shaping the identity of the Gosling Road corridor — visibly and unmistakably.

That’s the kind of detail that doesn’t show up on a pro forma. It shows up in the places people actually want to spend time.

About Gosling Oaks

Gosling Oaks is a 55-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of Gosling Road and West Rayford Road in Spring, Texas, positioned at the southern entrance to The Woodlands. The project will include approximately 120,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, medical and professional office, outparcel pad sites, and a 380-unit Class A multifamily community. Learn more at goslingoaks.com.

About Newman Commercial Real Estate

Newman CRE is a vertically integrated real estate firm based in The Woodlands area of Houston. The company develops, constructs, and manages retail, flex, and mixed-use projects across the greater Houston area. With over 1,000,000 SF of active projects totaling 250-plus acres, Newman’s approach is guided by stewardship, a commitment to quality, and disciplined execution. Learn more at newmancre.com.