Texas, often imagined as an expanse of deserts and plains, does indeed have extensive forest regions. In fact, Texas boasts over 59 million acres of forest land, ranking it second only to Alaska among U.S. states in forest acreage.
Texas’ Diverse Forest Regions
The state’s forest cover is spread across several distinct regions, each with unique characteristics. East Texas is home to the Piney Woods, a vast temperate coniferous forest that extends into neighboring states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. This region contains four national forests: Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston.
Moving westward, the Post Oak Savannah forms a transitional zone between the eastern forests and the central prairies. This area stretches across approximately 8.5 million acres of gently rolling to hilly land. Further north and west lie the Cross Timbers, characterized by two long, narrow strips of woodland that contrast with the surrounding prairies.
Beyond these, Texas also features unique riparian forests that thrive along its numerous rivers and streams. These linear forest ecosystems follow watercourses, providing green corridors across various landscapes. The western part of Texas, though largely arid, contains isolated mountain forests in ranges such as the Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos Mountains. These “sky islands” offer pockets of coniferous growth at higher elevations.
Characteristics of Texas Forests
The Piney Woods, the most densely forested part of Texas, are dominated by various pine species, including loblolly, shortleaf, and longleaf pines. These pine forests often intermix with hardwoods like oaks, sweetgum, magnolia, and elm, particularly in bottomlands and along rivers. The understory in these areas can be dense, featuring shrubs such as yaupon and waxmyrtle.
The Post Oak Savannah is characterized by scattered post oaks and blackjack oaks, with black hickory also present. Historically, this region featured tall-grass prairies interspersed with tree clusters, but species like yaupon holly and eastern red cedar have become more common. The Cross Timbers are defined by a mosaic of woodland, savanna, and prairie, with post oak and blackjack oak being the most characteristic tree species. Other trees found here include eastern redcedar, black hickory, and winged elm.
Riparian forests across Texas exhibit a variety of trees adapted to wet conditions, such as pecan, bur oak, cottonwood, sycamore, and black willow. In eastern riparian areas, loblolly pine and shortleaf pine may also be present, while subtropical species like Texas ebony and anacua are found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The mountain forests of West Texas, found at higher elevations, feature coniferous trees like ponderosa pines and southwestern white pines, along with pinyon pines, oaks, and junipers. Lower elevations in these areas may have oaks and junipers, alongside desert vegetation.
Ecological and Economic Significance
Texas forests provide numerous ecological services that benefit the state’s environment. They serve as habitats for diverse wildlife. Forests maintain water quality by filtering pollutants and protecting watersheds. They also contribute to air quality by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and removing particulates.
Beyond their environmental benefits, Texas forests contribute significantly to the state’s economy. The timber industry, primarily centered in East Texas, contributes billions of dollars annually and supports many jobs. Pine sawtimber, used in construction, is a major product from this region.
Forests also support a recreation and tourism sector. The state’s national and state forests offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. These recreational activities attract visitors and contribute to local economies.