Texas Forests

Texas has 59 million acres of forest land, more than any other state in the U.S. except Alaska.

Many forest types call Texas home, from pine timberlands in the east, cross timbers in the north, live oak mottes and mesquite and juniper woodlands in the south and central, and mountain forests in the west.

  • We use the newest methods of data analysis and forest resource information to create decision-making products.

    Forest inventory techniques used to measure the diameter of a tree

  • Trees and forests provide benefits crucial to your well-being. These benefits, called ecosystem services, include food, wood, carbon sequestration, and more.

    A ground level view locking up at tall trees, with branches and leaves stretching towards the sky

  • The national FIA program provides comprehensive data on the status, trends, and health of the nation’s forests.

    Forester in orange vest kneels on ground and holds up yellow tape measure

  • We work on projects across Texas to assist in ecosystem restoration efforts.

    Replanting for reforestation efforts

Texas forest stats

  • 59

    million acres of forest

  • 93%

    privately owned

  • $41.6

    billion contributed to Texas economy

  • 35

    billion cubic feet of wood volume

  • 3.7

    billion tons of carbon stored

  • $93

    billion in ecosystem services

What is a forest?

In short, a forest is any land where at least 10% of the area is covered by trees and the way the land is used will not prevent new trees from growing.   

The technical definition of forest we use comes from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory & Analysis program. 

Forest land has at least 10% canopy cover of trees of any size, or has had at least 10% canopy cover of trees in the past, based on the presence of stumps, snags, or other evidence, and that will be naturally or artificially regenerated.  

Additionally, the land is not subject to nonforest use(s) that prevent normal tree regeneration and succession, such as regular mowing, intensive grazing, or recreation activities.  

Forest land includes transition zones, such as areas between heavily forested and nonforested lands that are at least 10% canopy cover with trees and forest areas adjacent to urban and built-up lands. Also included are pinyon-juniper and chaparral areas in the West and afforested areas. The minimum area for classification of forest land is one acre in size and 120 feet wide measured stem-to-stem from the outer-most edge. Unimproved roads and trails, streams, and clearings in forest areas are classified as forest if less than 120 feet wide. 

brown county
Mesquite woodland forest
Bottomland oak cordwood
Bottomland hardwood forest
Live Oak Motts
Live oak forest
Pine Forest
Pine forest
Bottomland hardwood forest
Bottomland hardwood forest
Mesquite Woodland
Mesquite woodland forest

Map of forest types

An illustration showing the different types of forests in Texas

Urban forests count, too

In communities and urban areas, we define forests differently.  Urban forests are the trees and associated vegetation found throughout cities, towns, and communities.  They are critical to our health and wellbeing, as they filter and control water, stabilize soils, provide clean air, conserve energy, improve health and safety, and increase property value and desirability.

  • 37

    million trees in the City of Austin

  • 37

    million trees in the City of Houston

  • 51

    million trees in the City of San Antonio

Discover the wonder of Texas trees

Find programs and information to learn more about trees, forests, the benefits they provide, and the challenges they face.

Explore Texas trees
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