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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
-About Urban & Community Forestry
Tree Planting Guide
Services for Residents / Homeowners
+Services for Local Government
Community Forestry Resources
+After the Storm
Wildland Urban Interface
Tree City USA
Tree Campus USA
Tree Line USA
+Arbor Day
To help your shade trees live long, healthy lives, it is important to water them wisely. We’ve provided a few resources here to help you learn when and how to water your trees.
Diseases
Insects
Abiotic Disorders
Injury to Trees from Animals
Invasives
People and their activities cause more than 90 percent of all wildfires in Texas. The largest number of human-caused wildfires is a result of careless debris burning. Other causes of wildfires include sparks from welding and grinding equipment, carelessly discarded smoking materials, vehicles’ exhaust systems and arson.
How are you preparing your ranch for a possible wildfire? Check out our new Texas Ranch Wildfire Program created to work with landowners to identify priority areas, boundaries and other factors on their ranches to allow firefighters to make tactical decisions that reflect each landowner's priorities.
Research reinforces what much of the forestry community already knows — that trees have a positive impact on human health. Learn more.
Central Texas airtanker base activated to help fight wildfires across the state Texas A&M Forest Service is opening the Austin Airtanker Base at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to assist with increased wildfire activity across the state.
Welding operations spark wildfires Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.
Wildfires sparked by outdoor equipment can be prevented Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments remind people operating equipment outdoors to be aware of current conditions to help reduce wildfires. Over the past week, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to six wildfires ignited by equipment use.