Blue painted trees draw awareness to drought

Blue trees stand out along Memorial near Waugh

HOUSTON – An artist has painted Crape Myrtle trees along Memorial Drive to bring awareness to the drought.

"Blue is a color not normally found in trees. It highlights that and brings awareness to trees," said Michael Merritt, a Texas A&M Bayou Region Urban Forestry soordinator.

The artist painted the trees near Waugh Drive to bring attention to the importance of trees and how quickly they are disappearing, especially in Texas with the worsening drought.

In Houston, there is a rainfall deficit of more than 3 inches since the start of the year.

The latest drought monitor shows parts of Houston are now in an extreme drought, and drought conditions could persist through June.

"This Spring, it's been really dry. It's real worrisome. This blue tree concept comes at a perfect time," said Merritt.

The blue paint on the trees will wear off in six to eight months, depending on weather conditions.