The extreme drought that caused raging wildfires last summer, has also wreaked havoc on the states trees, according to the Texas Forest Service (TFS).

TFS officials are estimating that between 100 million and 500 million trees were lost and that figure doesn’t include those lost due to the wildfires.

Tomball is among the areas that have been hit hard, according to the city’s director of public works David Kauffman.

“The biggest problem we had was in Juergens Park,” Kauffman said. “It’s way more than we normally deal with or budget for.”

Kauffman said that 51 trees were removed from Juergens Park, as well as another 25-30 around Tomball in various right-of-way locations. The problem with that, according to Kauffman, is that his budget usually allows for the removal of 10-12 trees per year.

“We’ve spent $30,000 so far (on tree removal),” he said. “That’s more than five times the normal amount.”

While the dead trees are an environmental issue, they also pose a public safety issue. Kauffman said the dead trees can lose large limbs, possibly falling on someone or something, plus they create a large fire hazard.

“If you look at it as a public safety issue and don’t compare it as a public land versus private land issue, it’s a much bigger problem,” he said.

Kauffman said the city has projected a total loss of 260 trees by next summer.

“In the parks we are trying to be selective,” he said. “If it’s not a threat to public safety and the tree looks like it has a chance then we are going to leave it.”

Kauffman sees the problem home and landowners face, as well.

“Residents have to wait on tree service providers that are backed up,” Kauffman said. “If you have a problem and need a contractor it takes awhile − about two to three weeks on average.”

Bryan Russell, an area tree and landscaping horticulturalist, said the problem is widespread. Trees are now dying from disease and infestation, as they do not have enough water to stay healthy.

“The pine trees are starting to get Southern Pine Bark Beetles,” Russell said. “If they are already dead, that finishes them off.”

Russell said to be careful with oaks and similar trees though.

“You need to be sure they are dead,” he said. “Just because they have brown leaves doesn’t necessarily mean they are dead.”

Russell recommends that home and land owners spray their trees to protect against infestations, as well as heavy fertilization this spring.

“And pray for rain. A bunch of it.”

Photo by Caleb Harris

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