Northwest Houston has its share of unwanted guests, but they’re not people. They’re an intrusive type of tree known as invasive trees found in many Northwest Houston yards.
Trees of this type are opportunistic, exploiting the soil and environmental conditions to outgrow plants around them. Masters of adapting to their environment, they spread rapidly, crowd out native plants, threaten structures, and raise maintenance costs for homeowners and property managers alike across the region.
What Makes a Tree “Invasive” in Northwest Houston
The term invasive species can sound intimidating, but really it’s not. In practical terms, an invasive species is a type of plant that isn’t typically native to the area that it’s found in, yet multiplies voraciously. The ability to spread rapidly gives them an edge over native plants and that edge is compounded when they put down aggressive root systems. As the plants mature, especially if left unchecked, they can develop extremely dense canopies.
Hyper dense canopies from invasive plants can outcompete native vegetation. Valuable resources like sun and soil are harder for native species to secure. Native vegetation then begins to suffer the effects. Soil and water become strained resources on both residential and commercial properties, with potential to lead to more problems.
Common Invasive Tree Species in Local Yards
Even if you don’t know the name of common invasive tree species in the area, you’ve likely seen them. The Bradford pear is a common one, originally induced in the US to fight blight from common pears. It has since formed a stronghold as birds and other animals have spread its seeds.
The Kudzu vine chokes out nearby trees, smothering them with dense vegetation. Privet can be found in home gardens and creek beds but prefers undisturbed locations like roadsides and forest edges.
Invasive species like these and more can establish quickly along fences and easements, detracting from curb appeal and causing access issues. Drainage corridors can become blocked, leading to water maintenance issues. Wood lot edges can become quickly overgrown, creating long term control challenges for busy property owners.
How Invasive Trees Damage Lawns, Foundations, and Infrastructure
It’s not just lawns and gardens that can suffer the effects of invasive trees. Trees like these can damage foundations and infrastructure too. Invasive roots have been known to lift sidewalks and crack driveways, creating fall risks and tarnishing curb appeal.
Should one of these trees take up residence close enough to a home, root systems can press against foundations or underground utilities, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Lush lawns begin to take a hit as turf cover declines, exposing bare soil, leaving the area vulnerable to soil erosion.
Healthy lawns, beds, and shared green spaces generally need some degree of shade. Too much shade from invasive trees can cause drainage problems leading to overly wet soil and vegetation, an attraction for fungus and pests.
Professional Evaluation and Removal Planning
If you think invasive trees are making an appearance on your property, you need a professional evaluation. Some people can quickly recognize these plants, but what’s not so obvious sometimes are things like root system permanence and damage below the surface.
An arborist can do a site visit and visually identify invasive species on the site. Visual inspections go a step further to determine the maturity of the species, mapping problem areas, and future recommendations. Secondary effects like effects on nearby plant growth and health are also noted.
Once the situation is thoroughly assessed, a phased tree removal plan is created. Plans like these are made on a case by case basis to protect desirable trees and respect access limits, neighbors, and utilities.
Managing Regrowth and Replanting with Better Species
When invasive species strike, the first thought is often to simply remove the plant. Removing the plant is critical to preventing further growth, but you also want to secure the land’s real estate for plants you want. That’s where managing regrowth and replanting better species comes in.
Preventative strategies like stump grinding and targeting treatments are highly effective for regrowth. Our team works with you to support healthy and effective growth of desirable plants in the area with follow-up monitoring.
Replanting with a better species makes it harder for invasive species to put down roots. Choose region-appropriate native or adapted trees that fit site conditions and long-term goals for shade and privacy. Not sure which ones to choose? Our tree experts are here to help.
Schedule Invasive Tree Removal with Monster Tree
Don’t wait until invasive species get out of hand to get help. Schedule an invasive tree removal with Monster Tree. With an on-site evaluation from Monster Tree in Northwest Houston, you can get ahead of the problems that invasive species present.
Treat your property to a job done right! Our team is known for clear communication and careful jobsite cleanup. Unlike some service providers, our approach protects property value, safety, and your long-term yard health.