Building Beyond Homes—A Closer Look Into Ben & Annie's Trees for Tomorrow

At Weston Dean Custom Homes, our philosophy stretches far beyond building new homes in  San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels, Austin and surrounding cities. To our team, it’s not just about crafting top-quality custom new homes—it’s about uplifting the communities and environment around us. That's why, as a company, we're deeply invested in initiatives like Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow—a non-profit organization founded by our owner, Bryan Mendenhall, dedicated to planting trees in Central Texas to foster sustainable development and create vibrant public spaces.

About Ben & Annie's

Named after two of Bryan’s children, Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow was created out of a desire to counteract the destruction of trees that often accompanies new home construction in our area. As the demand for new homes in the San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, Boerne and Bulverde regions has surged—the challenge of building without displacing trees has become increasingly difficult. Recognizing this challenge, Bryan and the Weston Dean team felt compelled to take action.

Ben & Annie’s mission is to replace trees lost to development and construction and to cultivate a deeper commitment to conservation within the building industry. We understand that removing trees and disrupting wildlife habitats has long been seen as an unavoidable consequence of progress—however, we refuse to accept this as the status quo. As a trusted home builder in Central Texas, we envision a future where homes and communities thrive in harmony with nature—leaving a lasting legacy of sustainability for generations to come. 

The importance of tree planting locally

Trees provide an array of benefits for our local environment, and it’s crucial to preserve and plant them as much as possible. They purify the air we breathe, absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen—a vital component for human health. Additionally, trees help provide shade and cool the surrounding environment, ultimately reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs for homeowners. Moreover, trees serve as natural stormwater management systems, intercepting rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. Their extensive root systems stabilize soil, preventing erosion and preserving valuable topsoil for agricultural productivity. In addition to their ecological benefits, trees also enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods—increasing property values and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.

At Weston Dean Custom Homes, we firmly believe that home building should enhance the quality of life in Central Texas—not diminish it. By partnering with like-minded contractors, landscapers and government officials through Ben & Annie’s—we are working to make a tangible difference in our community. Through collaboration and innovation, we seek to minimize the environmental footprint of construction projects while maximizing their positive impact on local ecosystems.

Contributing to a better tomorrow

At Weston Dean Custom Homes, we believe that every tree planted is a step towards a brighter tomorrow—one where homes and communities coexist in harmony with nature. Join us and Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow in building beyond homes and shaping a better world for all. To learn more about our custom homes in San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels and Austin or to discover more of our local efforts with Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, give us a call at (210) 408-9107 or fill out our online form today.