California is currently in the throes of one of the worst droughts in state history, prompting calls from local leaders for reduced water waste. We recently discussed on this blog the local "Gold is the new green" campaign, which encourages residents to stop watering their lawns.
Most of us have been trying hard to cut back on water use, both in our landscaping and our daily lives. However, some folks in the greater Sacramento area are also worried about the impact of the drought on our area's mature trees.
Matt Morgan, a certified arborist at the Davey Tree Expert Company, tells The Sacramento Bee that he is noticing conspicuous signs of stress among local trees. He warns that those planted in the middle of lawns are at particularly high risk.
"Trees get used to that extra water," Morgan says. "So when that water is cut back, it will take a toll. You can gradually wean it back slowly. One of the worst things you can do is tear out everything but the tree and suddenly go to a (low-water) xeriscape​. The lawn is gone, but the tree will be gone, too. You need to make the (irrigation) transition gradually."
While it's important to watch your water use, try to give your trees some judicious moisture to avoid losing them. Experts tell both The Bee and The L.A. Times that slow-drip watering systems combined with plenty of mulch maximize the impact of even small amounts of water.
The greater Sacramento area's commitment to both sustaining local tree life and conserving water is a testament to our strong sense of community pride. If you're looking for a new home in Placer, El Dorado or Sacramento County, contact me, Jon Hesse. As one of the top real estate agents in Sacramento, I can help you find the home of your dreams!