DROUGHT HORROR: Lack Of Rain in Texas May Have Already Killed 500 MILLION Trees

In Texas' worst drought on record, trees dying by the millions

Ron Billings / Texas Forest Service via AP

Drought stricken trees are visible in a residential area in Austin, Texas. The full effect of Texas' record-breaking drought and scorching hot summer on the state's trees will be revealed next spring, with a changed landscape emerging in many places.

The National Weather Service has officially declared last year as the driest on record in Texas and the second hottest. Meteorologists predict the situation won't improve much this year. That means water restrictions will continue, and we'll lose millions of trees.

Record-setting heat and little rain in 2011 has left North Texas in a severe drought. The water level at Lake Lavon is down 12 feet.

“It is a challenging time, especially to bring awareness to our consumers and businesses how critical our drought has impacted our reservoirs,” said Denise Hickey, spokesperson for the North Texas Municipal Water District. “As we're planning to move through this drought period, we're also planning and initiating additional strategies to bring additional sources online.”

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The diminished water supply forced many counties to put residents under water restrictions indefinitely.