HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On the morning of July 8, Kirt Linegar watched from inside his south Fulshear home as Everest, the 92-foot-tall pecan tree in his backyard, split in half due to Hurricane Beryl’s powerful winds.
This pecan tree, estimated to be between 150 to 200 years old, was tied for the 12th largest of its species in the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Texas Big Tree Registry. Since the Linegar family moved to Shady Lane in the summer of 2022, the massive tree had become a central gathering spot for neighborhood events, church gatherings, and birthdays.
“You could enjoy the summer under its shade. It made our backyard a great place for hosting,” Linegar said. “Seeing it damaged is really sad.”
A Broader Impact
Linegar’s experience is not unique. According to Jordan Herrin, regional forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service, Beryl’s winds affected about 50% of the Houston area’s urban trees.
Fallen trees on power lines contributed to extensive electricity outages, leaving over 2.4 million Houstonians without power at the peak of the storm. Trees also fell onto homes, resulting in at least two deaths, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Overall, approximately 7.8 million acres of forestland were potentially impacted by winds ranging from 39-80 mph, according to a Texas A&M Forest Service news release.
The Cause of the Damage
While tree damage is expected during major weather events, Herrin explained that Beryl’s winds caused more damage due to the cumulative stress Houston’s trees have endured in recent years. Events like Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 and droughts in the summers of 2022 and 2023 have taken a toll on the trees. Droughts, in particular, can damage trees’ root systems, which often goes unnoticed by homeowners.
“These trees have been stressed year after year all across Texas, especially in the Houston area,” Herrin said. “The cycles of heavy rain followed by drought are particularly shocking to the trees.”
The Importance of Trees
Trees play a crucial role in Houston’s ecosystem, providing shade that helps cool urban areas. Urban forests can lower average temperatures by 2.9 degrees compared to non-forested areas, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Additionally, trees help mitigate flooding by absorbing water through their roots, creating more permeable soils, slowing overland water flow, and preventing soil erosion during floods.
“It’s hard to quantify the impact just yet, but changes in tree cover will likely affect flood water mitigation across the Houston area,” Herrin said.
Tips for Homeowners
Local governments maintain trees in public right-of-ways, but homeowners are responsible for the trees on their property. Proper tree care can reduce the likelihood of damage during storms.
Herrin suggested several steps for homeowners to prepare their trees for storms:
– Trim trees to remove weak branches or deadwood.
– Thin the crown to allow wind to pass through.
– Water trees properly to encourage deeper root systems.
– Hire a certified arborist to assess tree health and perform proper pruning.
Arborists can also help with tree planting, ensuring trees are placed away from power lines as they grow.
Future Outlook
The long-term impact of Hurricane Beryl on Houston’s trees remains uncertain, but the Texas A&M Forest Service plans to continue damage assessments through the week of July 15.
As residents clear downed trees, Herrin urged caution. “Working around trees after a storm can be very dangerous. Trees can be in unusual positions or have power lines in them. Always look for hazards.”
Kirt Linegar has already begun hauling away thousands of pounds of lumber from Everest. With half of the tree gone, he’s unsure if it will survive.
“There’s a sense of ownership and history with such a significant tree. It’s sad to see it go,” he said.
The Texas A&M Forest Service offers various resources, including chainsaw safety tips, how to determine if a tree is salvageable, and how to hire an arborist.
