🔥 Central Texas: Drought, Fire Risk, and Tree Survival Tips

Cody Nelson
Aug 14
2 min read

Central Texas: Drought, Fire Risk, and Tree Survival Tips

As we move into the heart of summer, Central Texas faces increasing heat, extended dry spells, and elevated wildfire risk. Whether you manage rural acreage or a small homestead, June is a pivotal month for protecting your land, trees, and soil.

🌾 Fire Weather is Here—Time to Act

By June, most of Central Texas experiences high to extreme wildfire potential, especially in areas with dense cedar (Ashe juniper), tall grasses, or unmanaged brush.

Reduce Fire Risk by:

Mowing firebreaks around structures, fence lines, and equipment storage areas.
Removing dead branches and leaf piles, especially near foundations and under decks.
Clearing ladder fuels—low branches and tall grasses that can help a ground fire climb into the tree canopy.

📌 Tip: Keep at least a 30-ft defensible space around homes and outbuildings.

💧 Tree Survival During Drought

Even native trees can suffer during extended dry spells. Oaks, elms, pecans, and fruit trees are especially vulnerable during their active growth season.

Watering Trees Wisely:

Focus on deep, infrequent soakings. A mature tree needs about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (measured at chest height), applied slowly and deeply.
Water within the drip line—the circular area under the tree's canopy—not at the base of the trunk.
Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce temperature stress, keeping it 2–4 inches deep and 3–6 inches away from the trunk.

📌 Avoid daily shallow watering—it encourages weak surface roots and stress.

🌡️ Additional Drought Tips

Postpone planting new trees until fall unless absolutely necessary.
Inspect trees for early stress signs: leaf curling, wilting, yellowing, or premature drop.
If using drip irrigation, make sure emitters are spaced to cover at least half the root zone.

🧯 Stay Informed

Check county burn bans and LCRA wildfire risk updates weekly.
Monitor the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) to understand soil dryness and ignition risk.
Keep water hoses or portable tanks accessible on rural properties with heavy vegetation.

📌 Source: Texas A&M Forest Service, LCRA, AgriLife Extension