Invasive Species

Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially killing entire species. Because of their widespread impact, Texas A&M Forest Service takes great lengths to help mitigate their impacts and is highlighting those efforts during National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Invasive species have two main characteristics: […]

FY 2024 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program Criteria

Tour this story map to learn more about Chinese tallow identification, ecology, ecological threat, distribution, invasion potential, and treatment options in Texas.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – As fall-like weather occurs across the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being cautious when collecting, transporting and purchasing firewood. As Texans travel for hunting or camping trips, they may unknowingly be bringing deadly, […]

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, is an invasive tree species. It was first recorded in Texas in the 1930s and has since become widespread across the Gulf Coast, found as far north as Texas City and as far south as Brownsville.   Brazilian peppertree usually grows with a small trunk and low branches although it can grow […]

An invasive parasitic plant known as giant Asian dodder, Cuscuta japonica Choisy, was first detected in the greater Houston area in 2001. Since then, it has been found in half a dozen neighborhoods, primarily in southern residential districts of the city.    The invasive species threatens a variety of trees and landscape plants. Giant Asian dodder […]

Chinese tallow, triadica sebifera, is a fast-growing invasive tree that can reach up to 60 feet tall.   The popular, deciduous ornamental tree has broad oval leaves that change colors in the fall. In the spring, dangling yellowish spikes hold small clusters of fruit that later split to reveal seeds that resemble popcorn in the fall […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in West Texas, but not everything.   Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila): This elm is distinguished by its small, elliptical, smooth, singly-toothed leaves, that reach lengths of 0.8-2.6 inches. They are tapering or rounded at their asymmetrical base. The alternate leaves are dark green and smooth above, paler […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in South Texas, but not everything.   Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius): Small tree, growing to 30 feet, with a short trunk usually hidden by dense, intertwining branches. Shiny, dark green leaves have a reddish, sometimes winged, midrib, 3 to 13 finely toothed, one- to two-inch-long leaflets, […]

This list includes both common and less commonly found invasive species in North Texas, but not everything.   Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in East Texas, but not everything. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

A native of Mexico, the soapberry borer, Agrilus prionurus, Coleoptera: Buprestidae, was first reported in Travis County in 2003. Since then, it has been detected in 49 additional counties including near or within the cities of Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Waco. Western soapberry, Sapindus saponaria, var. drummondii, is a […]

There are many types of ambrosia beetles. Typically, these beetles attack weakened, stressed trees, some will even impact freshly- cut timber. They are known for boring holes into the sapwood, or the outer rings of a tree, laying eggs, and planting a compatible fungal species for their larvae to feed on when they emerge.  Redbay […]

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is a destructive, invasive wood‐boring pest of ash trees, Fraxinus spp. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is native to eastern Asia. It was first detected in North America in 2002, when it was discovered in Detroit, Michigan.   Now EAB has spread to 36 states including Texas. The first detected county in […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in Central Texas, but not everything. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

Invasive trees and plants are species that are non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health.  When introduced to new environments, these trees and plants can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause significant ecological and economic damage.   Invasive trees and […]

Increased international trade has led to an unprecedented movement and establishment of invasives throughout the country. Insects are considered invasive when the species is non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health.  These species are a concern because they grow, reproduce, and […]

Invasive species include a variety of plants, insects, and animals that have been introduced from other regions or ecosystems and cause, or are likely to cause, harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Introduction of these species into an ecosystem is often a direct result of human activity. This can include plants introduced as […]

Invasive species like the emerald ash borer and laurel wilt have become significant threats, killing native trees and disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, multiple stressors such as native pests, diseases, and environmental factors compound, can lead to the slow weakening and eventual death of trees.   Texas’ extreme climate, with high temperatures and prolonged droughts, intensifies tree stress, […]

Document requesting information on new infestations of Western soapberry borer, to be filled out by landowners

Fact sheet on top invasive plants in East Texas

Fact sheet on top invasive plants in Central Texas

Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially wiping out entire species.

Don’t move firewood, prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being cautious when collecting

These trees played a major role in the history of both Texas and Pecan trees.

Rich Gray announced his retirement as Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Regional Fire Coordinator last month.

Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2023 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Prevention Cost-Share Program. Applications are due by Feb. 1.

Mistletoe is commonly associated with Christmas cheer and sneaking a kiss beneath a bough in a doorway on a cold winter night.

Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being knowledgeable when collecting and purchasing firewood.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in two additional Texas counties this month – Morris and Rusk.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed this week in Wise County.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed this week in Dallas County.

Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and wood borers by taking preventative measures and being cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood.

Find the root of your tree’s problem whether it be caused by insect, disease or other factor. TreeMD’s main feature is a diagnosis tool that allows you to quickly find results from its vast database.

Spring and warm weather are finally here, bringing new growth and life. But they also bring increased forest pest activity. Now is the time for landowners to check their trees for signs of pests and/or pest damage.

Report on Chinese tallowtree status and trends, site characteristics, invasion potential, and urban invasion

Texas A&M Forest Service recently mobilized Urban Forest Strike Teams to the coastal Texas towns of Rockport, Fulton, Refugio and Victoria to assess damage to the trees on public property resulting from Hurricane Harvey. Impacted communities deal with many post-storm issues, one of which includes destruction to public trees

Texans from across the state gathered today in the Oldest Town in Texas to celebrate the State Arbor Day and how trees can connect the past, present and future.

Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially killing entire species. Because of their widespread impact, Texas A&M Forest Service takes great lengths to help mitigate their impacts and is highlighting those efforts during National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Invasive species have two main characteristics: […]

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – As fall-like weather occurs across the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being cautious when collecting, transporting and purchasing firewood. As Texans travel for hunting or camping trips, they may unknowingly be bringing deadly, […]

Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially wiping out entire species.

Don’t move firewood, prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being cautious when collecting

These trees played a major role in the history of both Texas and Pecan trees.

Rich Gray announced his retirement as Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Regional Fire Coordinator last month.

Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2023 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Prevention Cost-Share Program. Applications are due by Feb. 1.

Mistletoe is commonly associated with Christmas cheer and sneaking a kiss beneath a bough in a doorway on a cold winter night.

Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being knowledgeable when collecting and purchasing firewood.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in two additional Texas counties this month – Morris and Rusk.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed this week in Wise County.

The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed this week in Dallas County.

Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and wood borers by taking preventative measures and being cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood.

Spring and warm weather are finally here, bringing new growth and life. But they also bring increased forest pest activity. Now is the time for landowners to check their trees for signs of pests and/or pest damage.

Texas A&M Forest Service recently mobilized Urban Forest Strike Teams to the coastal Texas towns of Rockport, Fulton, Refugio and Victoria to assess damage to the trees on public property resulting from Hurricane Harvey. Impacted communities deal with many post-storm issues, one of which includes destruction to public trees

Texans from across the state gathered today in the Oldest Town in Texas to celebrate the State Arbor Day and how trees can connect the past, present and future.

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, is an invasive tree species. It was first recorded in Texas in the 1930s and has since become widespread across the Gulf Coast, found as far north as Texas City and as far south as Brownsville.   Brazilian peppertree usually grows with a small trunk and low branches although it can grow […]

An invasive parasitic plant known as giant Asian dodder, Cuscuta japonica Choisy, was first detected in the greater Houston area in 2001. Since then, it has been found in half a dozen neighborhoods, primarily in southern residential districts of the city.    The invasive species threatens a variety of trees and landscape plants. Giant Asian dodder […]

Chinese tallow, triadica sebifera, is a fast-growing invasive tree that can reach up to 60 feet tall.   The popular, deciduous ornamental tree has broad oval leaves that change colors in the fall. In the spring, dangling yellowish spikes hold small clusters of fruit that later split to reveal seeds that resemble popcorn in the fall […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in West Texas, but not everything.   Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila): This elm is distinguished by its small, elliptical, smooth, singly-toothed leaves, that reach lengths of 0.8-2.6 inches. They are tapering or rounded at their asymmetrical base. The alternate leaves are dark green and smooth above, paler […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in South Texas, but not everything.   Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius): Small tree, growing to 30 feet, with a short trunk usually hidden by dense, intertwining branches. Shiny, dark green leaves have a reddish, sometimes winged, midrib, 3 to 13 finely toothed, one- to two-inch-long leaflets, […]

This list includes both common and less commonly found invasive species in North Texas, but not everything.   Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in East Texas, but not everything. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

A native of Mexico, the soapberry borer, Agrilus prionurus, Coleoptera: Buprestidae, was first reported in Travis County in 2003. Since then, it has been detected in 49 additional counties including near or within the cities of Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Waco. Western soapberry, Sapindus saponaria, var. drummondii, is a […]

There are many types of ambrosia beetles. Typically, these beetles attack weakened, stressed trees, some will even impact freshly- cut timber. They are known for boring holes into the sapwood, or the outer rings of a tree, laying eggs, and planting a compatible fungal species for their larvae to feed on when they emerge.  Redbay […]

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is a destructive, invasive wood‐boring pest of ash trees, Fraxinus spp. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is native to eastern Asia. It was first detected in North America in 2002, when it was discovered in Detroit, Michigan.   Now EAB has spread to 36 states including Texas. The first detected county in […]

This list includes some common and less commonly found invasive species in Central Texas, but not everything. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental tree. Dark green leaves are doubly compound, alternate, deciduous, and display bright yellow fall colors. Clusters of lavender flowers form spherical, yellow fruit about ½ inch […]

Invasive trees and plants are species that are non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health.  When introduced to new environments, these trees and plants can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause significant ecological and economic damage.   Invasive trees and […]

Increased international trade has led to an unprecedented movement and establishment of invasives throughout the country. Insects are considered invasive when the species is non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health.  These species are a concern because they grow, reproduce, and […]

Invasive species include a variety of plants, insects, and animals that have been introduced from other regions or ecosystems and cause, or are likely to cause, harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Introduction of these species into an ecosystem is often a direct result of human activity. This can include plants introduced as […]

Invasive species like the emerald ash borer and laurel wilt have become significant threats, killing native trees and disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, multiple stressors such as native pests, diseases, and environmental factors compound, can lead to the slow weakening and eventual death of trees.   Texas’ extreme climate, with high temperatures and prolonged droughts, intensifies tree stress, […]

FY 2024 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program Criteria

Document requesting information on new infestations of Western soapberry borer, to be filled out by landowners

Fact sheet on top invasive plants in East Texas

Fact sheet on top invasive plants in Central Texas

Report on Chinese tallowtree status and trends, site characteristics, invasion potential, and urban invasion

Tour this story map to learn more about Chinese tallow identification, ecology, ecological threat, distribution, invasion potential, and treatment options in Texas.

Find the root of your tree’s problem whether it be caused by insect, disease or other factor. TreeMD’s main feature is a diagnosis tool that allows you to quickly find results from its vast database.