Uncategorized

23
Jun

Drought and trees – Explained

Only mid-way through June and Texas has already seen extreme heat and very little rain this summer, with the trend predicted to continue. The anticipation of drought can bring many thoughts to mind from water shortages to increased wildfire risk, but what do drought conditions mean for our trees? Drought is defined by a relatively long duration with substantially below-normal

Read more

16
Jun

Tree-killing Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Wise County

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed this week in Wise County. Wise County will be added to the list of Texas jurisdictions under quarantine by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) – the third county added this year. TDA quarantines are designed to slow the spread of the insect pest by

Read more

10
May

Tree-killing emerald ash borer confirmed in Parker County

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed May 2, 2022 in Parker County.  Parker County will be added to the list of Texas jurisdictions under quarantine by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). TDA quarantines are designed to slow the spread of the insect pest by limiting the transportation of ash wood,

Read more

28
Apr

Prevent the spread of oak wilt in Texas this spring

Texans can do their part to protect oak trees from oak wilt this spring. Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt, said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service regional forest health coordinator. Any new wound, including from pruning, construction activities, livestock, land or cedar clearing, lawnmowers, string trimmers and storms, can be an entry point for the pathogen that infects

Read more

7
Apr

Emerald Ash Borer Trapping in the Metroplex

By Allen Smith It’s not a complicated device:  just some purple plastic, coated with glue and baited with a clear pouch containing a lure– but this emerald ash borer (EAB) trap is a scientifically-designed instrument and serves as our first line of defense against EAB infestation.  Since 2011, Texas A&M Forest Service entomologists have been placing these traps in ash

Read more

4
Apr

Homeowners insurance and tree damage

By Lauren Ward As a homeowner, it’s your job to care for and protect your property, but home insurance companies offer policies that can help you with the protection part. Tree damage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing coverage levels for your homeowner’s insurance, but if a tree falls on your home, it can

Read more

31
Mar

Prevent the spread of oak wilt in Texas this spring

Oak wilt is one of the deadliest tree diseases in the United States, killing millions of trees in 76 counties of Central, North and West Texas, and we can help prevent it from spreading. Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt. Any new wound can be an entry point for infection including those produced by pruning, construction

Read more

31
Mar

Floating Ant Rafts and Swarm Robotics

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) have a unique ability to cling together and form a floating raft whenever their underground tunnels flood. This raft can hold together and carry the colony for weeks or until the water recedes. These ants have a hydrophobic cuticle, and the cuticular texture creates an air bubble. These tightly knit bodies create a buoyant,

Read more

28
Mar

Wildfire potential across the state this week with possible Wildfire Outbreak Tuesday in the High Plains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2022  Wildfire potential across the state this week with possible Wildfire Outbreak Tuesday in the High Plains COLLEGE STATION, Texas— There is potential for large wildfires to occur today that may outpace firefighters’ suppression efforts in areas near Childress, Lubbock, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Midland, San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Del Rio, Laredo and Brownsville. Today, critically

Read more

25
Feb

Time to Plant Trees in Texas

Wondering what to plant in your yard in Texas? Try the online Texas Tree Planting Guide from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Find it here https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/index.html