Tree Expert Warns the Lack of Rainfall threatens Houston's Pine Forests

KINGWOOD, Texas - March 27, 2013 - PRLog -- The below average rainfall in Houston Texas to start the year will continue and deepen the Pine Bark Beetle epidemic we have faced since 2011, according Houston Tree expert, Louis Flory.  He says the damage is seen all over the area, from Memorial Park to The Woodlands.

Flory, a veteran tree expert in Texas owns the Kingwood based Ability Tree Experts.

He notes the first sign of the pest early is the appearance of small holes in the trunk of a tree.  He said “Once you see the holes, the tree will die within two weeks.”

“Pine Bark Beetles are always around, but trees which are dry cannot defend themselves,” Flory said. “Normally a tree will make sap, and that will stop the infestation, but without enough moisture, the tree can’t respond,” he added.

He said the terrible drought of 2011 left many trees in a weakened state, and while last year was within the normal rainfall range, this year that all of South Texas, including the Houston area, is once again well below normal.

Flory said, “Watering is the only real prevention to an infestation.”  He notes that it is not just the scenery that is affected, although the area, especially the northern and eastern portions is well known for its pines, there are important secondary effects.

“Losing large numbers of our pines will increase urban noise pollution,’ he said, “and areas which the trees normally shade can rise several degrees.  Your energy costs could increase.”


About Ability Tree Experts

Houston, Texas based Ability Tree Experts (http://www.abilitytrees.com) is a member of the National Arborist Association. With over 30 years’ experience in tree service, Ability Tree Experts are specialists in complete tree maintenance including tree care, tree trimming, tree removal, tree pruning and planting, tree diseases and pest control, tree fertilizing and cavity work, tree spraying, tree cabling and pre-construction consultation.