Half dead and half alive, the name "zombie trees" was coined to perfectly describe the eyesores somewhere in between.
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Curt Smith with Davey Tree Expert Group gave ABC13 the information that could help residents identify and treat them.
"The 'zombie tree' is [either] alive and dead, or dead and alive and doesn't know it," he said. "This year [they are] very common."
Zombie trees have been here for awhile, but this year they appear worse.
The winter storm in February did a number on not only Texas' electric grid but also on the state's vegetation.
Trees that might otherwise survive flooding or drought may be hiding the fact it couldn't overcome a week of below freezing temperatures.
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Smith, an arborist, said the danger in these zombie trees is that if left unrecognized or untreated, they can fall without warning and cause property damage or injury anyone nearby.
The Texas A&M Forest Service agrees that the Houston trees have had a rough year.
Just two months after the freeze, experts said that oaks all over the state had a hard time recovering. Shrubs, bushes and vines were also susceptible.
Some of them may look dead, but still have life.
What are the signs of a zombified tree?
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Experts said fungus, insects or dead branches may be hiding on the tree.
"We all probably know what a good-looking tree looks like," Smith said. "You probably drew one in kindergarten. We all have that idea, 'Hey, that's a pretty tree,' or 'Hmmm, something doesn't look right.'"
What to do if you think you've spotted one? Call an arborist for a diagnosis or go online to consult experts for advice on where you might be able to get help before it's too late.
Zombie trees might be salvageable if treated.
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