Insects & Diseases

All trees removed due to insects and diseases are documented and used to track and monitor insect and disease movements.

Spring traps set for Southern Pine Beetles placed throughout The Woodlands monitor beetle populations, helping us estimate the potential for insect outbreaks and prepare for them. Trees that are believed to have insects or disease are removed as soon as possible, and the ailment is identified.

Pine trees are a defining feature of The Woodlands Township, but they can be vulnerable to pine borers, especially when weakened by environmental stressors such as drought, disease, or physical damage. Early detection and proper management can help protect our tree canopy from serious damage.

The Woodlands Township manages several thousand acres of public land. Depending on the location and severity of an infestation, the Township may take one or more of the following actions:

• Monitoring and early detection to assess tree health.
• Treatment when necessary, including pruning or preventative measures.
• Tree removal in severe cases to protect surrounding trees.

If you see The Woodlands Township removing a tree that appears healthy, it is likely due to an infestation that poses a risk to surrounding trees.

Common Borers in The Woodlands

Several types of borers pose a threat to pine trees in our area:

Southern Pine Bark Beetles

• Among the most destructive pine pests in Texas.
• Burrow into the tree bark to lay eggs, with larvae feeding on vital vascular tissue.
• Trees weakened by drought, disease, or injury are most susceptible.

Black Turpentine Beetles

• Target stressed or previously damaged trees.
• Bore into the wood and create tunnels that disrupt nutrient flow.
• May introduce pathogens that further weaken trees.

Ips Beetles

• Common in weakened trees affected by drought, disease, or stress.
• Create small entry holes and feed beneath the bark.
• Often infest tree tops and outer trunk sections.

How Homeowners Can Help

Monitor Your Trees

• Look for pitch tubes (sawdust-like material) or small holes in bark.
• Watch for dying or discolored needles, which may indicate infestation.

Preventative Treatments

• Chemical treatments may be an option for high-value trees but are often costly and of limited effectiveness.
• Consult an arborist before applying treatments.

Healthy Tree Care Practices

• Prune dead or damaged branches to prevent infestations.
• Ensure trees receive proper watering, especially during droughts.
• Apply mulch and fertilizer to promote tree health.

Tree Removal

• Severely infested trees should be removed to prevent beetles from spreading.
• Proper disposal, including chipping infested trees, is essential to eliminate beetles before they reach healthy trees.

If you have questions or concerns about insects or tree diseases, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3900.

Laurel Wilt Disease is a deadly fungal infection spread by the invasive Redbay Ambrosia Beetle. It affects trees in the Laurel family, causing rapid decline and death within 4 to 10 weeks. Once a tree dies, the beetles move on to new hosts. The primary species at risk in our area is the Redbay Laurel (Persea borbonia), commonly found in the villages of Indian Springs, Creekside and College Park. Cherry Laurels (Prunus caroliniana) are also susceptible, though less common.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you suspect a tree may be infected, look for these signs

• Leaf discoloration, often beginning in part of the tree’s crown
• Wilting of branch tips and leaves • Dieback of branches and twigs
• Thin tubes of sawdust on the trunk or large limbs (evidence of beetle boring)
• Dark brown or black streaks in the sapwood beneath the bark

How to Help Control the Spread

There is currently no cure for Laurel Wilt Disease. Once a tree is infected, removal is the only effective method to prevent further spread. Early detection and reporting are essential to protecting our local Redbay population.

If you believe a tree on your property may be infected, consult a local arborist to confirm the diagnosis and remove the tree.

If you believe a tree on Woodlands Township property may be infected, please report the tree by calling 281-210-3800 or by reporting through TheWoodlands311 app.