Urban National Landowner Survey: Houston, 2019
| Authors: | Dexter H. Locke, Robillard Amanda, Jesse Caputo, Brett J. Butler, Emma Sass, Nancy Falxa Sonti |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | General Technical Report |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-240 |
| Source: | FS |
Abstract
The Urban National Landowner Survey (UNLS) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and has the mission of providing information about the ownership, objectives, management, and future plans of people who own trees in urban areas. This report summarizes data collected from private, residential landowners in Houston, TX, from 2019 (n = 209). While normally collected over 5 years, implementation was intensified in Houston to complete data collection in 1 year. Private, residential landowners in Houston believe that trees in their neighborhoods provide multiple benefits, including improving air and water quality, aesthetics, human health, and public health. There is concern about storm-damaged trees causing property damage, and most private, residential owners have taken some action to prevent this, especially by pruning branches. Almost all private, residential owners have at least one tree on their property, and most have a yard; a driveway; and a patio, porch, or deck. The most common concerns about trees are damage to property from roots and branches, and trees or branches breaking and causing power outages. Most private, residential owners in Houston are unfamiliar with programs that help with tree care, and more owners are familiar with private tree and landscape professionals than with governmental or extension agents. Private, residential ownerships are largely owner-occupied, single-family homes, although rental properties and multi-family and row homes are also an important part of the city.
Download Appendix 1: Annotated survey booklet (pdf, 1.5 MB)
Download Appendix 3: List of summary tables for Houston (html file, 147.8 KB)
Download Appendix 4: List of summary tables for West and East Houston (zipped file, 14.1 KB)