Drought

The 2022 drought was the worst in Texas since 2011, causing major economic and health problems. As the state’s population grows, water shortages could become a bigger issue, but conservation efforts offer hope for the future.

Tips and care for watering trees during a drought

When should you water? Check with your city or local water company for possible restrictions on watering methods and frequency during drought. You can water your trees at any time but if you can, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to avoid excessive evaporation. How often should […]

Severe drought has long-term impacts on trees. Stress may linger for years, long after soil moisture returns.   In many cases, drought kills the fine feeder roots that trees use to take up water and nutrients. Until these feeder roots can be fully replaced, the tree remains under stress and cannot support a full canopy of […]

During a drought  During a drought, the lack of water causes trees to photosynthesize less, or make less food, which leads to a lack of nutrients needed to survive.   Plants generate their own food through photosynthesis and one of the key components of photosynthesis is water. Water is necessary for the chemical reactions that create […]

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

A map displaying the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index, which measures drought which runs from 0 – 800, with 0 being a wet soil, and 800 an extremely dry soil.

The Forest Drought application allows users to explore past, current, and future drought conditions on Texas forestland, bringing together data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, NOAA, and Texas A&M Forest Service. You can create a custom report to save or share.

Provides additional background and meanings of the different levels of KBDI

Impact of 2011 drought on Texas urban forests

More than 100 native trees were planted in College Station at Bee Creek Park and Tarrow Park this week with the assistance of the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants program.

While Texas is feeling some reprieve from the heat this week, slightly cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall will do little to help trees being affected by drought and extreme heat conditions.

Hot summers and wildfires are not new to the South. Nor is interagency cooperation in responding to and suppressing wildfires. But this summer has been far from normal.

Texas communities at risk of wildfires can now apply for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. Available funding is intended to help at-risk communities plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

The most-asked question of college students is – “what are you going to do when you graduate?”

The following trees have made a big impression on Texas, some still standing hundreds of years later.

These 11 trees played a role in the early history of Texas, leaving us with a glimpse into the struggles of those before us.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday at the W.G. Jones State Forest Conservation Area in Conroe.

Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting resources are prepared to respond to wildfires as a cold front moves into the state this week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans to be careful with activities that may cause a wildfire this hunting season.

This fall is expected to be warmer and drier than average, and combined with the effects related to the lingering drought, that means this year’s fall foliage may be less vibrant than usual.

Over 99% of Texas is under drought conditions, creating negative impacts to our landscape – especially to trees.

As hot and dry conditions persist, extremely dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity across much of the state, even as surface moisture increases in some areas.

Hot and dry conditions across the state of Texas will create high wildfire potential through the weekend.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

The Texas fire environment will support increased wildfire activity through the weekend, as hot and dry conditions persist across the state.

Only mid-way through June and Texas has already seen extreme heat and very little rain this summer, with the trend predicted to continue.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur Thursday through the weekend in areas near Canadian, Amarillo, Childress, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland and Alpine.

A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak is possible Tuesday in the Texas Panhandle.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through the weekend as more areas across the state will be characterized by dry to extremely dry surface fuels.

Wildfire activity is expected to gradually increase throughout the week, as periodic critical fire weather occurs where very dry vegetation is present across West and South Texas.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase Friday through Monday along and west of I-35 and into South Texas as dormant vegetation dries and becomes receptive to fire ignitions.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through Wednesday as an active weather pattern aligns with dry vegetation across the landscape.

Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today in anticipation of an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service has opened a single engine air tanker base in Alpine, Texas to assist with wildfire response across the state.

Dry air will persist over the state through the weekend, contributing to increased rates of drying in vegetation. Wildfire activity and fuel dryness is continuing to expand north and east into higher population centers.

Continued hot and dry conditions across much of the state have resulted in increased wildfire activity, particularly in north central Texas and in areas along the Interstate-35 corridor. Activity and fuel dryness is expanding north and east into higher population centers, including further east along the Interstate-45 corridor as well.

Wildfire activity has increased statewide with hot and dry conditions. This pattern of activity is expected to continue as the state moves into late summer.

Significant wildfire activity has increased statewide, and accelerated drying has elevated the potential for new wildfire ignitions. New wildfires will become increasingly difficult to extinguish if current temperatures and drying conditions persist into August as forecasted.

Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan, Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing wildfires.

Due to exceptional drought conditions in the panhandle and south Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster on Friday, August 23. Abbott announced the state of disaster in Duval, Hall, Jim Hogg, Randall, Swisher, Webb and Zapata counties.

Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burns in Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers

Angelina Forest Products, LLC recently announced plans to open a $100 million sawmill in Lufkin, Texas. The softwood mill is expected to be in place by spring of 2019, creating 100 full-time jobs and contributing $52 million to the Texas economy in its first year. “We made the

Officials from key fire service organizations of Texas are asking for monetary donations and equipment to help local Texas fire departments impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Texans across the Lone Star State are invited to celebrate Arbor Day Nov. 4. Arbor Day is a holiday for trees – it is the perfect day to plant trees and to celebrate all the ways that trees enrich our lives, communities and landscapes.

For the first time, foresters, landowners and contractors in Texas can now access guidelines for practicing sustainable forestry on their mobile devices.

Labor Day is upon us and as we head outside to enjoy the last days summer, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to celebrate carefully.

Press release with commercial timber losses due to 2011 drought

Initial assessment of merchantable value of trees killed by 2011 drought

Planting advice following 2011 drought

Presentation given by Harris County Flood Control District’s meteorologist at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation on drought-related tree health issues at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation about preliminary drought assessment at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation about drought impact in Houston and Harris County at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Checklist to help decide whether to plant after drought

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

More than 100 native trees were planted in College Station at Bee Creek Park and Tarrow Park this week with the assistance of the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants program.

While Texas is feeling some reprieve from the heat this week, slightly cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall will do little to help trees being affected by drought and extreme heat conditions.

Hot summers and wildfires are not new to the South. Nor is interagency cooperation in responding to and suppressing wildfires. But this summer has been far from normal.

Texas communities at risk of wildfires can now apply for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. Available funding is intended to help at-risk communities plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

The most-asked question of college students is – “what are you going to do when you graduate?”

The following trees have made a big impression on Texas, some still standing hundreds of years later.

These 11 trees played a role in the early history of Texas, leaving us with a glimpse into the struggles of those before us.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday at the W.G. Jones State Forest Conservation Area in Conroe.

Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting resources are prepared to respond to wildfires as a cold front moves into the state this week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans to be careful with activities that may cause a wildfire this hunting season.

This fall is expected to be warmer and drier than average, and combined with the effects related to the lingering drought, that means this year’s fall foliage may be less vibrant than usual.

Over 99% of Texas is under drought conditions, creating negative impacts to our landscape – especially to trees.

As hot and dry conditions persist, extremely dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity across much of the state, even as surface moisture increases in some areas.

Hot and dry conditions across the state of Texas will create high wildfire potential through the weekend.

As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

The Texas fire environment will support increased wildfire activity through the weekend, as hot and dry conditions persist across the state.

Only mid-way through June and Texas has already seen extreme heat and very little rain this summer, with the trend predicted to continue.

There is potential for large wildfires to occur Thursday through the weekend in areas near Canadian, Amarillo, Childress, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland and Alpine.

A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak is possible Tuesday in the Texas Panhandle.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through the weekend as more areas across the state will be characterized by dry to extremely dry surface fuels.

Wildfire activity is expected to gradually increase throughout the week, as periodic critical fire weather occurs where very dry vegetation is present across West and South Texas.

Wildfire activity is forecast to increase Friday through Monday along and west of I-35 and into South Texas as dormant vegetation dries and becomes receptive to fire ignitions.

Wildfire activity is expected to increase through Wednesday as an active weather pattern aligns with dry vegetation across the landscape.

Texas A&M Forest Service readies firefighting resources today in anticipation of an increase in wildfire activity caused by pre-frontal conditions approaching the state.

Texas A&M Forest Service has opened a single engine air tanker base in Alpine, Texas to assist with wildfire response across the state.

Dry air will persist over the state through the weekend, contributing to increased rates of drying in vegetation. Wildfire activity and fuel dryness is continuing to expand north and east into higher population centers.

Continued hot and dry conditions across much of the state have resulted in increased wildfire activity, particularly in north central Texas and in areas along the Interstate-35 corridor. Activity and fuel dryness is expanding north and east into higher population centers, including further east along the Interstate-45 corridor as well.

Wildfire activity has increased statewide with hot and dry conditions. This pattern of activity is expected to continue as the state moves into late summer.

Significant wildfire activity has increased statewide, and accelerated drying has elevated the potential for new wildfire ignitions. New wildfires will become increasingly difficult to extinguish if current temperatures and drying conditions persist into August as forecasted.

Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan, Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing wildfires.

Due to exceptional drought conditions in the panhandle and south Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster on Friday, August 23. Abbott announced the state of disaster in Duval, Hall, Jim Hogg, Randall, Swisher, Webb and Zapata counties.

Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burns in Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers

Angelina Forest Products, LLC recently announced plans to open a $100 million sawmill in Lufkin, Texas. The softwood mill is expected to be in place by spring of 2019, creating 100 full-time jobs and contributing $52 million to the Texas economy in its first year. “We made the

Officials from key fire service organizations of Texas are asking for monetary donations and equipment to help local Texas fire departments impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Texans across the Lone Star State are invited to celebrate Arbor Day Nov. 4. Arbor Day is a holiday for trees – it is the perfect day to plant trees and to celebrate all the ways that trees enrich our lives, communities and landscapes.

For the first time, foresters, landowners and contractors in Texas can now access guidelines for practicing sustainable forestry on their mobile devices.

Labor Day is upon us and as we head outside to enjoy the last days summer, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to celebrate carefully.

When should you water? Check with your city or local water company for possible restrictions on watering methods and frequency during drought. You can water your trees at any time but if you can, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to avoid excessive evaporation. How often should […]

Severe drought has long-term impacts on trees. Stress may linger for years, long after soil moisture returns.   In many cases, drought kills the fine feeder roots that trees use to take up water and nutrients. Until these feeder roots can be fully replaced, the tree remains under stress and cannot support a full canopy of […]

During a drought  During a drought, the lack of water causes trees to photosynthesize less, or make less food, which leads to a lack of nutrients needed to survive.   Plants generate their own food through photosynthesis and one of the key components of photosynthesis is water. Water is necessary for the chemical reactions that create […]

A map displaying the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index, which measures drought which runs from 0 – 800, with 0 being a wet soil, and 800 an extremely dry soil.

The 2022 drought was the worst in Texas since 2011, causing major economic and health problems. As the state’s population grows, water shortages could become a bigger issue, but conservation efforts offer hope for the future.

Tips and care for watering trees during a drought

Provides additional background and meanings of the different levels of KBDI

Impact of 2011 drought on Texas urban forests

Press release with commercial timber losses due to 2011 drought

Initial assessment of merchantable value of trees killed by 2011 drought

Planting advice following 2011 drought

Presentation given by Harris County Flood Control District’s meteorologist at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation on drought-related tree health issues at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation about preliminary drought assessment at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Presentation about drought impact in Houston and Harris County at the drought symposium held in February 2012

Checklist to help decide whether to plant after drought

The Forest Drought application allows users to explore past, current, and future drought conditions on Texas forestland, bringing together data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, NOAA, and Texas A&M Forest Service. You can create a custom report to save or share.