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

> By Julie Tam, NBCDFW.com
> 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.

> See the original story on NBCDFW.com

> “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.”

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

> The Texas Forest Service says the drought may have killed as much as
> 10 percent of the state's trees. That's 500 million trees.

> Some trees in your yard might look dead, but tree experts say don't
> cut them down yet. They still might come back in the spring and you
> should continue watering them.

> “A lot of trees are dormant and a lot of trees go dormant early when
> there's a drought situation. And they kind of do that for a defense
> mechanism,” said Matt Grubisich, urban forester for the Texas Trees
> Foundation. “Most municipalities still let you use a soaker hose, and
> that is a very adequate way to be able to still water your trees.”

> Forecasters expect the drought to last through at least June.

> “It's going to get worse before it gets better,” said Grubisich.