The Biggest Trees in Texas

When it comes to trees, other states may have us beat on size, but our pride in our unique landscapes is larger than life. And we still have some pretty darn big trees!

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service tree database, some of the tallest trees in Texas are over 100 feet in height, the largest trunks over 40 feet in circumference, and the widest crowns over 115 feet in length! But these trees do more for the environment than just being stunning monuments; they offer wildlife shelter, protect topsoil, act as a carbon sink, regulate temperature and improve the air we breathe. There are a few different categories that play into the term “biggest,”- height, trunk size, and crown length. Our comprehensive list is organized by the registry’s point system, which takes all of these qualities into consideration. Here are the top 3 biggest trees in Texas, where you can find them, and why we must protect these gentle giants.

#3 – Texas Live Oak – Brazoria, TX

Brazoria county’s Texas Live Oak tree stands at 73 feet tall, with a trunk circumference of 30 feet around! The measurement across its branches, AKA the tree’s crown, spread is 98 feet across! Texas Live Oak trees are some of the hardiest trees in the state; they possess expansive root systems, large amounts of foliage, and a low stature to protect against strong winds. These are valuable traits that wildlife biologist and the tree’s discoverer Michael Lange points out may have helped this ancient tree survive the hurricane that swept across the Galveston coast in 1900. While it may not be the tallest tree, its massive trunk and expansive crown are still awe-inspiring as they stand proudly against the Texas horizon. 

#2 – Eastern Cottonwood- Falls, TX

The Falls county Eastern Cottonwood tree is 101 feet tall, has a trunk circumference of 27 feet around and a crown spread of 106 feet across. That means this tree is approximately the size of 3 school buses put end to end in height, and an additional bus length around the trunk in circumference. Eastern Cottonwoods are not only impressive in stature, but also incredibly useful. They are a pioneer species, meaning if there is a disturbance like a natural disaster that devastates an entire ecosystem, Eastern Cottonwoods are some of the first to return and help regrow the biodiversity that was lost. The Texas landscape is incredibly lucky to be home for such a valuable contributor to what makes the state so beautiful – nature! 

The Bald Cypress is the largest recorded tree in the state of Texas- according to the A&M Texas Forest Registry, these Texas giants occupy the top 11 spots on the leaderboard! Crowned as the grand champion, this particular Bald Cypress from Real county Texas is measured to stand at 107 feet in height. While the average trunk circumference for a Bald Cypress is only about 10-15 feet, this tree’s trunk circumference is a whopping 40 feet around. The tree’s crown spread is over 86 feet across! These deciduous conifers get their name from the unique and somewhat early timing of their pine needle sheds, causing the trees to have a “bald” look. The Bald Cypress lives between 800-1200 years on average. If these trees were a country, they would be double to triple the age of the United States.  

Special Mention!

The Texas Loblolly Pine is the tallest tree in all of Texas! Despite its lanky build, this tree absolutely towers over all other trees in the state at 139 feet tall. That’s almost the same height as a 14 story building! This pine is located in Sabine County, and calls the Boggy Slough Conservation Area Its home. 

Now that we have seen the wonders of Texas’s vibrant arboreal landscape, why is it important to conserve tree life? 

Climate regulation:

• Trees act as large carbon sinks, taking in huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. More trees means more opportunities to mitigate climate change.
• Trees are natural environmental regulators! Unlike the increasing concentrations of cemented urban areas, trees absorb the sun’s radiation instead of reflecting it back. Transpiration that occurs in its leaves release cooling moisture into the air, and provide shade for sunny Texas days. 

Soil anchors:

• Tree roots negate the harmful effects of soil erosion. Roots lock in top soil and valuable nutrients in the earth which protect the natural biotic structure of soils as well as local waterways that could be exposed to harmful nutrient-rich runoff.

Habitat Corridors:

• With shady foliage and a variety of nuts, fruits and seeds to spare, trees provide nourishment, shelter, and a stable home for wildlife
• Trees act as natural corridors in between habitats — migrating wildlife are assured of resources and safety in their travels.

In conclusion, trees are a vital component of the environment that fortify the health of the ecosystem they are a part of. Their countless benefits alongside the natural beauty they bring to the state are worth fighting for in the midst of increasing logging and human disturbance. Protecting and preserving tree habitats is essential in the mitigation of climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation of Texans – as they say, “Don’t mess with Texas!”