Tree expert advises watering of trees as Texas announces loss of 500 million trees

Texas Forestry Service this week announced the state lost a staggering 500 million trees to the drought.

The state continues to struggle with effects of the summer drought and tree experts say area homeowners should continue watering their trees.

“This is not the time to stop watering your trees,” said Louis Flory, owner of Ability Tree Experts in Kingwood, TX. “When you look around, it appears trees should be doing fine and they are doing better but the problem is that the full effects of the drought are just being felt now. Do not be surprised if you find your trees dead or dying even in this cooler weather,” he said.

Many trees dying in Texas

Flory said that number of dying and dead trees is just devastating. “Have you been to any area parks lately? If you have been to Memorial Park (in Houston, Texas) or any other park lately, you will understand what I am saying. To lose 500 million trees is just amazing and very difficult to accept,” he said.

He advised homeowners to continue watering their trees to help them thrive. “Proper watering of the trees is very important and that is the key to their survival, especially if the trees are young. Younger trees have not had a chance to grow their roots deeper into the soil so they need additional help,” he continued.

Insect activities may increase

Flory told homeowners to look out for insect and pest activities around their trees. “Trees weakened by the drought are like magnets to insects and diseases and there are many weakened trees around. Homeowners need to keep a close eye on their trees. Call Houston tree experts as soon as you notice unusual activities,” he said.

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