‘Urban Tree Stress’: Upcoming lecture by Luke Alfaro set in Tyler

Published 5:00 am Thursday, February 13, 2025

East Texas is known for its towering trees, but urban trees face a unique set of challenges that can compromise their health and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered why some trees in our neighborhoods seem to struggle while those in the wild flourish, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Smith County Master Gardeners Library Series lecture by Luke Alfaro.

Alfaro, the Urban Forester and Arborist for the City of Tyler, will present “Urban Tree Stress” at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 21 at the Tyler Public Library Taylor Auditorium, located at 201 S. College Avenue in Tyler. This lecture is part of the Smith County Master Gardeners’ 2025 Library Series, a collection of educational programs designed to inform and inspire East Texas gardeners.

While trees in forests grow naturally with little human intervention, urban and suburban trees face numerous stressors that can weaken them over time.

Alfaro’s lecture will explore common challenges such as:

Soil Compaction: The weight of vehicles, construction equipment, and foot traffic compresses the soil, making it difficult for tree roots to access oxygen and water.

Drought and Watering Issues: Many urban trees suffer from inconsistent watering—either too much or too little—which can lead to weak root systems.

Improper Pruning and Maintenance: Poor pruning techniques, like topping, can weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to disease, pests, and storm damage.

Pest and Disease Pressure: Trees in cities often face higher populations of pests and pathogens due to environmental stress and lack of biodiversity.

Construction Damage: Digging near tree roots, covering roots with pavement, or changing the soil grade can all cause irreversible harm.

Alfaro will also provide practical solutions for homeowners, businesses, and city planners to manage tree stress and promote tree health. Topics will include proper watering techniques, mulching, tree selection for urban environments, and ways to mitigate construction-related damage.

One of the biggest takeaways from this lecture will be how to identify early signs of tree stress. Many tree problems start long before symptoms are visible, and learning to recognize the warning signs can help prevent severe damage or loss.

Healthy trees don’t just make our neighborhoods look better—they provide shade, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and increase property values. When urban trees thrive, entire communities benefit.

If you care about the trees in your yard, your neighborhood, or the broader East Texas environment, make plans to attend this free lecture. No registration is required, and all lectures in the series are open to the public. Seating may be limited, so plan to arrive early.

For more information on the 2025 Smith County Master Gardeners Library Series, visit txmg.org/smith or follow the Smith County Master Gardeners on Facebook. Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators trained and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.