By Lucas De La Vega
Three years ago, Matt Latham, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #859, issued a professional and urgent warning to officials and community leaders in The Woodlands, TX. He delivered a clear and actionable plan addressing the area’s growing environmental decline and outlined the steps needed to proactively restructure the tree canopy and landscape.
But the reaction?
Silence. Sidestepping. And ultimately—avoidance.
Now, as reported in Community Impact’s recent article, the area is suffering the loss of over 7,000 trees. Officials now face reforestation challenges they are ill-prepared to manage—challenges that could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
🔍 Matt Latham’s Original Recommendations Included:
- Compacted soil and poor drainage damaging root systems
- Neglect of tree spacing and overgrowth, leading to increased disease and competition
- Lack of strategic tree removal and replanting based on biological timelines and soil health
- Absence of Plant Health Care (PHC) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs
- Failure to build a resilient, sustainable environmental structure equipped to withstand droughts, pests, and storms
His plan was thorough, science-backed, cost-effective, and built for long-term sustainability. But instead, officials chose short-term aesthetics over data-driven action.
“This isn’t about hindsight—it’s about foresight that was actively ignored.”
— Matt Latham, BCMA #TX-3737B / RCA #859
🚫 What Could Have Been Prevented:
- Massive replanting costs now being shifted to taxpayers
- Canopy loss for decades, diminishing air quality, heat protection, and local wildlife support
- Increased soil erosion and stormwater runoff
- Emotional and economic impact on residents who cherish their green spaces
🌱 Moving Forward – A Message from Arborist On Demand:
If this crisis teaches us anything, it’s that cities and developers must prioritize tree health and urban forest planning—not as an afterthought, but as a core part of environmental infrastructure.
Arborist On Demand Offers:
- 🌳 Tree Risk & Health Assessments
- 🌿 Urban Forest Restructuring Plans
- 🌱 Biodiversity & Strategic Replanting Programs
- 🧾 Expert Witness & Municipal Consultation Services
Reforestation starts with informed strategy, not reactionary spending. Let’s stop ignoring expert assessments and start listening to the professionals who truly understand the language of the trees.
📞 Call Today for Consultations or Municipal Planning Support: (713) 385-7040
🌐 Learn More at: www.arboristondemand.com
