Convenience Big Store: Sugar Land parks are ranked among the best in the U.S.

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Here's what you need to know about invasive trees in your area

I've just completed a crash course on the scourge of invasive trees in Texas.

Like most mortals, I always thought, "it's a leafy green tree converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, why would it be bad?"

Turns out there are a million reasons.

In addition to choking out native species, invasives alter the microbiology of soil. They outcompete native species and alter natural habitats.

Garden centers and supermarkets continue to sell attractive and low-maintenance plants that are classified as invasives, including Japanese honeysuckle, knotweed, kudzu, privet, and wisteria.

The online database Texas Invasives maintains a "take no prisoners" attitude, advocating for the removal of all invasive trees and plants without compromise.

According to Barry Ward, director of nonprofit Trees for Houston, the invasive vegetation is impossible to eradicate entirely.

"To eliminate the problem, you would have to go back in time to the pre-Columbian exchange of 1492," he told me during a phone interview. "It is unfortunately a problem that's here to stay. The next best thing is to not introduce any new invasives."

Here are the worst invasive trees in Houston.

Have a story idea? Write and let me know.

Juhi Varma, Fort Bend reporter

juhi.varma@houstonchronicle.com

Top stories

A pair of teenagers playing catch at Oyster Creek Park.

Photo by: Houston Chronicle

Sugar Land parks are ranked among the best in the U.S.

Following its recognition as one of the top five retirement communities in the nation by SmartAsset, Sugar Land has now secured one of the highest scores in Texas on a nationwide index evaluating local park systems in the United States.

Golden Raintree blooms (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Photo by: HORTICOPIA

Invasive trees to avoid, and why arborists target them.

Invasive trees and plants throughout the Houston area have caused millions of dollars in damage and can be expensive to remove.

Photo by: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images

Fort Bend County's first Pride festival is coming this fall.

Fort Bend County is getting its first-ever Pride festival this fall, after six residents who got together at a June KP George event decided to stop letting Houston have all the fun.

Houston teachers earn more than any other region in the state.

Photo by: Anastasia Goodwin

Data shows teacher salaries in districts across Houston and Texas.

Our analysis of Texas teacher salary data found both person-level factors, such as years of experience, and district-level factors, such as a district's location, that impact how much teachers are paid throughout the state. Explore Texas and Houston teacher salaries through our interactive charts.

Need to know

Dogs in overcrowded shelters are in dire need of foster homes that can serve as a cooling sanctuary during this heatwave. Fort Bend County Animal Services has issued a plea for help. Please come by the shelter at 1210 Blume Rd, Rosenberg, during kennel viewing hours, beginning today, July 18, at 10 a.m.

Shout Out

Rapper Lil' Keke made an appearance at Katy's No Label Brewing Co. to meet fans and promote his food truck brand, Clutch City Cluckers. Lil' Keke is credited as the official founder of 713 Day, an unofficial holiday observed each year on July 13 in Houston to pay homage to the city's culture.

One last thing ...

Who has the best frozen treats in Houston? There are gelato shops and shaved ice trucks and traditional, family-owned creameries. Take part in our poll and help us crown a favorite cold dessert spot for the summer.