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Category: Drought

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Attention Californians: It’s Time for Fire Season Preparation

fire season preparation

California’s golden landscapes are a treasure, but we also face a fiery reality every year: fire season. As the sun bakes the land dry and temperatures rise, the threat of wildfires looms large.

Although wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, their intensity and destructive power can be significantly reduced through proactive measures. Here at Sexy Trees, we, as certified arborists, want to emphasize the crucial role tree care plays in creating a safer environment for our communities and protecting our precious trees. Let’s do a deep dive on fire season preparation.

Understanding Wildfire Risk and Mitigation

The California Fire Threat

Thanks to our recent rainy storms, California is miraculously not experiencing drought conditions at the moment. But while this recent extra rainfall is a welcome change, it’s crucial to remember that drought conditions are a recurring reality in our state. 

Long-term trends still reveal a changing climate and the potential for future drought periods. And rising temperatures plus drought periods create the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly and ferociously. In short, fire season preparation is still very necessary. 

To understand how to combat this threat, we need to introduce the concept of fuel reduction in the context of fire season preparation. 

In simple terms, fuel reduction refers to strategically managing vegetation to decrease the amount of available fuel for wildfires to burn. This directly translates to lowering the intensity and spread of wildfires, making them easier to contain and manage.

Fuel Reduction Strategies:

1. Strategic Vegetation Management:

Fuel reduction is achieved through a combination of practices known as strategic vegetation management. This involves:

  • Tree Trimming: Removing dead, diseased, and low-hanging branches from trees reduces the amount of readily available fuel near structures, creating a buffer zone that can slow fire progression.
  • Forest Thinning: Selectively removing smaller, weaker trees and dense undergrowth opens up the forest canopy, reducing the overall fuel load and allowing firefighters better access in case of a wildfire.
  • Removing Dead/Combustible Material: Clearing away dead leaves, branches, and other debris from around homes, properties, and in forests removes potential ignition sources and reduces the fire’s intensity should it occur.

These practices not only aid in fire season preparation but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of our forests by promoting healthy tree growth and reducing competition for resources.

The Role of Arborists in Fire Season Preparation

Defensible Space and Tree Care

When it comes to wildfire season preparation, creating defensible space is extremely important. 

Defensible space refers to the zone around a structure where vegetation and other flammable materials are managed to slow or stop the spread of fire. This critical buffer zone provides firefighters with a safer area to work and helps prevent flames from reaching structures.

Arborists play a crucial role in creating defensible space through strategic tree care practices. By implementing proper tree trimming, they can:

  • Remove dead, diseased, and low-hanging branches that could easily ignite and spread flames to structures.
  • Thin the tree canopy to allow for better airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the overall amount of fuel available for fire.
  • Shape trees away from buildings to create a safe distance between the structure and potential fuel sources.

Beyond Pruning: Additional Fire Mitigation Techniques:

  1. Using Fire-Resistant Plant Species in Landscaping

While tree trimming focuses on existing vegetation, arborists can also recommend incorporating fire-resistant plants into new landscaping designs near homes. These plants possess various characteristics that make them less likely to ignite or contribute to fire spread. Some examples include:

  • Succulents: These drought-tolerant plants store water in their leaves, making them less susceptible to drying out and igniting. Their low-growing form also reduces the potential fuel load near structures.
  • Crassulas: These low-growing shrubs are known for their fleshy leaves and fire-resistant properties. Their compact size makes them ideal for planting under windows or in other areas close to the house.
  • California native plants: Many native California plants have evolved to thrive in dry conditions and are naturally fire-resistant. Examples include:
    • California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
    • Monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.)
    • Coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis)
    • Ornamental grasses: Certain ornamental grasses can be fire-resistant, especially if maintained properly. Some examples include:
      • Blue fescue (Festuca glauca)
      • Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima)
      • Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)

It’s important to note that no plant is entirely fireproof. However, strategically incorporating fire-resistant plants in your landscaping can:

  • Reduce the overall fuel load surrounding your home, making it less attractive to wildfires.
  • Act as a natural fire barrier that can potentially slow down the spread of flames, buying valuable time for firefighters to respond.
  • Enhance the visual appeal of your landscape while contributing to a more fire-safe environment.

By strategically placing fire-resistant plants around homes, arborists can create an additional layer of protection and help slow the spread of any potential fire.

2. Maintaining Proper Irrigation and Fertilization Practices:

Healthy, well-maintained vegetation is generally less susceptible to fire. This is because healthy plants:

  • Contain more moisture, making them less likely to dry out and become flammable.
  • Have stronger immune systems, making them more resistant to diseases and pests that can weaken and kill the plant, adding to potential fire fuel.

Arborists can advise homeowners on proper irrigation and fertilization techniques specific to the local environment and plant types. These practices ensure the health and resilience of the surrounding vegetation, ultimately enhancing its fire resistance.

3. Create Firebreaks

Firebreaks are strategically designed areas devoid of vegetation or with reduced vegetation intended to impede the spread of wildfires. They serve as a barrier that can help prevent the fire from advancing further, providing a means of controlling and managing the fire’s progression. Firebreaks are commonly used in areas prone to wildfires, such as forests, grasslands, and shrublands.

By combining their expertise in tree care with a broader understanding of fire mitigation strategies, arborists play a critical role in safeguarding our communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

General Fire Safety Tips for Californians:

Be Prepared:

  • Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
  • Install and test smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas monthly.
  • Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, first aid kit, and medications.
  • Stay informed by monitoring local fire weather conditions and heeding evacuation warnings from authorities.

Maintain Defensible Space:

  • Clear debris such as leaves, branches, and flammable materials from around your home and property.
  • Create a lean zone by removing low-hanging vegetation and trimming branches up to 6-10 feet from the ground around your home.
  • Maintain a green zone further out from your home with fire-resistant landscaping and proper irrigation practices.

Be Fire Aware:

  • Never leave burning candles or open flames unattended.
  • Use caution with outdoor grills and fire pits. Extinguish them properly when finished and never leave them unattended.
  • Avoid parking hot vehicles near dry vegetation.
  • Be mindful of firework restrictions in your area and only use legal fireworks in designated locations.

Stay Informed and Engaged:

  • Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive important updates and notifications.
  • Stay informed about wildfire risks in your area through local news and official websites.
  • Consider participating in community fire safety programs and volunteering efforts.

Remember, fire safety and fire season preparation are shared responsibilities. By taking these steps and staying informed, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the dangers of wildfires.

California’s vibrant landscapes deserve our continued care and protection, especially during fire season. By investing in professional tree care services from Sexy Trees, you’re not only taking a critical step towards protecting your property and loved ones, but also contributing to a safer and more resilient community.

Remember, fire season preparation is a proactive approach. By implementing these fire season preparation strategies and collaborating with professionals like arborists, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and safeguard our environment for generations to come.

Contact Sexy Trees today to schedule a consultation and get started on creating a fire-safe and healthy landscape for your California home.

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Wildfire Risk Reduction for Californians: Prepare for Fire Season

Wildfire Risk Reduction: Protecting Your Property and Community

Wildfires have become an all too common occurrence in California, with devastating consequences for communities and ecosystems alike. As climate change worsens, the risk of wildfires continues to grow, making it more critical than ever for Californians to take proactive steps to prepare for fire season. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key strategies for reducing wildfire risk and protecting your home and community. 

From creating defensible space around your property to staying informed about fire conditions and evacuation protocols, there are many steps you can take to minimize the impact of wildfires and stay safe during these dangerous times. Whether you’re a longtime resident of California or a recent arrival, it’s crucial to be prepared for the possibility of wildfire and to take action to mitigate its potential effects.

Wildfire Risks

This year, there have already been 252 wildfires in California, burning 62 acres. When it comes to wildfires, there are several key factors that can increase the risk of ignition and make fires more difficult to control. 

Here are some of the most significant wildfire risks that Californians should be aware of:

Drought and Dry Weather

California’s hot, dry summers provide ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spread quickly. In recent years, drought conditions have only exacerbated this risk, as vegetation becomes more parched and prone to ignition. When there is less water in the soil and air, plants and trees become more susceptible to fire, and fires can spread faster and burn more intensely.

Overgrown Vegetation

Overgrown vegetation can be a major contributor to the spread of wildfires, especially in areas where homes and other structures are located near wildland areas. When dry vegetation is allowed to accumulate, it creates fuel for fires and makes it easier for flames to jump from one location to another. Homeowners must maintain defensible space around their properties by clearing away dead brush, trimming trees, and keeping grass and other vegetation mowed and watered.

Human Activity

Human activity is responsible for a significant portion of wildfires in California, whether through intentional arson, accidental sparks from vehicles or power equipment, or other causes. Campfires and other open flames should be used with caution, and smoking should be restricted to designated areas. Power equipment should be used with care, and vehicles should not be driven over dry grass or vegetation.

Strong Winds

Strong winds can quickly spread wildfires and make them much more difficult to contain. In California, the Santa Ana winds are a particularly dangerous weather phenomenon that can cause fires to spread rapidly across vast areas. When high winds are forecast, it’s important to be especially vigilant and prepared for potential evacuation.

Wildfire Risk Reduction

Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR) is a critical step Californians can take to protect their homes and properties from the devastating effects of wildfires. One important aspect of WRR is zoning, which involves dividing the area around a structure into three zones: the immediate zone (0-5 feet), the intermediate zone (5-30 feet), and the extended zone (30-100 feet).

The Immediate Zone

The immediate zone is the most critical area to focus on during WRR. This zone includes anything that is flammable and is very close or touching any part of the house. Look for landscaping with oily or waxy leaves, flammable mulch such as pine straw, wooden structures or objects touching the home such as a fence, deck, or lattice, flammable siding such as vinyl, a cedar shake roof, wooden or vinyl shutters, or leaves, pine straw, and other debris in the gutters or on the roof.

Ladder Fuels

Ladder fuels are anything that can carry a fire from the ground upwards into trees or the eaves of a home. Palm trees are a good example of ladder fuels. The fire travels up the trunk of the palm, ignites the dead fronds which can then produce embers that are spread by the wind toward the home. Vines can also serve as ladder fuels. Therefore, the removal of such fuels can reduce the risk from a wildfire.

Intermediate and Extended Zones

The intermediate and extended zones, farther from the home, can present similar risks. Piles of dead/dry leaves or brush, stacked firewood, wooden fences, vines in trees, dead limbs extending toward the home, walkways filled with mulch, and even objects such as propane tanks, lawn mowers, and gas cans can present problems if a wildfire is nearby.

By implementing zoning strategies, homeowners can take necessary steps to minimize the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and properties. While this is not a comprehensive list, WRR provides a systematic method for homeowners to become more aware of the risks present on their property and take steps to mitigate them. It’s important for Californians to take action to protect their homes and communities from the threat of wildfires, and zoning is just one of the many strategies available to them.

Creating Defensible Space

In addition to zoning, creating defensible space around homes and other structures is a critical step in reducing wildfire risk. Defensible space is the area around a home or structure where vegetation has been modified, cleared, or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire. This space also provides room for firefighters to work safely and protect the home or structure.

Creating defensible space involves several steps, including:

  1. Clearing vegetation: Remove dead or dying vegetation, and prune trees to a height of at least 10 feet above the ground.
  2. Creating a buffer zone: Create a buffer zone around the home or structure by removing vegetation, or planting fire-resistant plants.
  3. Using fire-resistant materials: Use fire-resistant materials when building or renovating structures, including roofing, siding, and decking materials.
  4. Maintaining defensible space: Regularly maintain defensible space by keeping it clear of debris, and regularly mowing and watering vegetation.

Staying Informed

Staying informed about fire conditions and evacuation protocols is also critical during fire season. There are several ways to stay informed, including:

  1. Sign up for emergency alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts through local government agencies, and make sure your contact information is up-to-date.
  2. Monitor weather and fire conditions: Stay up-to-date on weather and fire conditions by monitoring local news and weather channels, and checking online resources such as Cal Fire’s website.
  3. Have an evacuation plan: Develop an evacuation plan, including multiple evacuation routes, and have a designated meeting place for family members.
  4. Prepare an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and important documents.

Wildfires are an ongoing threat in California, and with the increasing risks associated with climate change, it’s more important than ever for Californians to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk and protect their homes and communities. By working together and taking action, Californians can reduce the risk of wildfires and protect their homes and communities for generations to come.

Have more questions about Wildfire Risk Reduction? Sexy Trees is on track to be the only California company certified in Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification. Reach out to learn how we can help protect your home and community. 

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Your Tree Watering Guide

Walnut Creek Tree Removal

Extended periods of dry weather leave backyard trees dependent on homeowners for survival. Surprisingly, lack of rainfall kills millions of trees across the country. In fact, according to KPCC’s environment and science coverage, 27 million trees died just in California during the 2017 drought. In an average year, the Golden State loses roughly a million trees. But excessive watering can make a tree overly reliant on irrigation, so we’ve put together this handy tree water guide to clear up any confusion.

How Much Water Do Trees Need?

The goal is to supplement enough water to support the growth and health of your trees. But you still want them to be resilient. It’s important not to water so much that it encourages more canopy growth than would occur (on a good year) with natural rainfall.

For mature trees, aim to moisten the soil up to 10” or more. A weekly deep soaking is better than a frequent shallow watering guide. Even if your lawn receives direct irrigation, it’s probably not sufficient for your trees. Shallow waterings cause tree roots to stay near the upper layers of soil. They’re more likely to dry out on the surface, and also more vulnerable to drought.

Watering Guide to New Trees

When you plant a new tree, most of its roots will remain within a root ball for a few months. You can help the tree anchor itself by keeping the surrounding soil moist. This encourages healthy roots to grow. After several months, extend the watering zone to include the area under the tree’s canopy. If nature doesn’t provide soaking rains, water your new tree as many as three times per week, or the root ball can dry out. It takes a couple growing seasons for your new tree to establish itself.

Should I Mulch Under My Trees?

Mulch prevents weeds and grass from taking over and bullying your tree for water. A layer of organic mulch also conserves moisture. Use two to three inches of shredded bark or pine straw, but avoid piling it against the trunk because it could cause rot.

The amount of water a tree needs is decided by multiple factors, such as its species and age, as well as the soil quality and local climate. For a more personalized tree watering guide, please contact our team of trained arborists at (925) 233-6877.

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Are You Harming Your Soil Ecosystem?

Danville Tree Pruning

The trees on your property are dependent on your soil to be a healthy, safe place for them to grow or just stay alive. If your soil suffers, the trees suffer. If your soil thrives, the trees thrive. You need to be sure you aren’t harming your soil, which would threaten your trees.

However, to do that, you need to know about some of the most common practices which lead to soil damage.

Using Biocides

One of the most common ways people harm soil is by using biocides, which destroy life inside the soil. Healthy soil is full of microorganisms that promote tree growth and nutrition. Unfortunately, when plants are sprayed with pesticides to kill insects, they also end up being absorbed by the soil, which becomes damaged as a consequence. Biocides include everything from pesticides, weed killers, and fungicides, etc.

Moreover, even if the biocides don’t have an immediate measurable effect on your trees or soil, the can remain for decades and damage life in the longer run as they build up.

Removing Vegetation

Another common practice that leads to the damage of soil is through the removal of vegetation. While some people remove ground covering plants to create some landscaping goals, you also need to understand that complete removal leads to the soil being exposed. It also loses the connectivity created by root systems. This, as a result, makes it vulnerable to forces of erosion like wind and rain.

When the soil is exposed to these threats, healthy topsoil is lost, which is a primary layer for plants to grow because it has the most organic matter. Moreover, when the soil is bare, it receives more sunlight, and this causes moisture to evaporate. Finally, it becomes compacted as it dries, which make it harder for the soil to absorb rain.

If you don’t want to destroy the soil, you need to understand the soil’s needs. You need to know the soil needs to be covered, and plants provide this shelter. 

Allowing Soil to Dry Out

When soil is allowed to dry, the rich environment or microorganism that call it home suffer. Organic matter thrives in soil, from living fungi, to earthworms and healthy bacteria, and they all need water to survive.

Remember that your trees can’t make these decisions for you, but it matter to them when you make choices soil management. Swear off biocides, grow ground covering plants, and keep your soil from drying, and your trees will thank you. Silently, by living a long healthy life. 

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Cambistat: A Tree Care Solution

Concord Tree Pruning

As a property owner, you want to keep your trees healthy. In hard California droughts trees are susceptible to falling ill, and even dying. So it’s imperative that you protect your trees against stressors, and keep them healthy for their longevity.

This is where Cambistat can come in. Below, we’ll discuss some of the incredible health benefits Cambistat can give your trees and the protection they can give them in the harshest of times.

 

 

Why Cambistat?

Cambistat is a powerful tool to fortify your trees against some of the harsh Californian summers. With these nutrient treatments on your side, it’s easy to ensure that your trees will be healthy throughout any climate. There are a wide array of ways that in keeps your trees in tip top shape.

Here are our top 3:

 

1. Drought Tolerance

According to drought.gov, California is experiencing one of its longest droughts in state history. Having started in 2011 and extending up to present day, California has sustained 357 weeks of drought, at one point affecting 58.41% of Californian land. With over half of the state affected, chances are that your trees fall into one of these drought affected areas.

When it comes to Californian summers, nothing is better that Cambistat at preparing your trees to do well in drought. We know that being able to protect your trees from water shortage is a high priority. Thankfully, Cambistat is able to help protect against drought, by equipping your trees for record breaking dry spells.

 

2. Improved Root Systems

A strong, capable root system is key for any healthy tree. Without a stable support network to draw nutrients and water from the soil, any tree, even in the best of conditions, is doomed. When Cambistat is applied to your trees, there is a significant growth and production of fibrous roots.

Furthermore, Cambistat can be applied in any Californian weather (assuming there isn’t a torrential flood or that the state freezes over). Because Cambistat is so active, retreatment is only needed every three years, and will be able to keep your trees growing strong.

 

3. Growth Control

A final useful purpose of Cambistat is growth control. While every green thumb loves to see some vegetation, the unfortunate reality is that trees and their limbs often get in the way of urban growth.

Cambistat is able to help you and your trees by providing growth control. As your trees mature, with grooming, the treatment can help maintain a reasonable size for your tree, and ensure that the “leggy-ness” of your tree doesn’t get out of hand. This means your tree wouldn’t collide with sightlines, encroach over roads, or be a danger to power lines in a bad storm. Using Cambistat can ensure that both you and your neighbors are satisfied with your tree.

Cambistat is a logical and easy solution for any Californian land owner looking to ensure their trees stay healthy. Schedule an application, and watch your trees thrive.

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How to Identify a Dying Tree

Concord Tree Removal

 

Sexy Trees always wants to preserve and beautify the world with healthy trees. However, tree care sometimes means tree removal.  A dying tree, depending on the reason, can become a cancer to surrounding areas along with being a big eye sore.  Most of us are unable to know how to identify a dying tree, especially during the winter.

Signs of a Dying Tree

Since deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, it is hard to be sure whether the tree is dying or just going through its healthy annual cycle.  It’s important to know whether the leaf loss has been on-going or started in the fall. Pay attention to the tree’s behavior over a period of time to be certain of the full scope of the problem.  You’ll need to take this into consideration with other possible signs of a deteriorating tree.

 

Other hallmarks of a dying tree are discoloration, bark becoming brittle, and/or limbs falling off.  Most of us walk by our trees regularly but may not notice changes right away. Sometimes people see that a tree just doesn’t look right, but can’t pinpoint why.  It can be similar to approaching a person who has a cold.  You’ll notice that their color is off, they maybe clammy, and are just sluggish.  A dying tree will have subtle signs of distress showing that something is just not right.

 

Once you have a concern about a tree being in trouble, what should you do?  Just like you call a doctor to check on a sick person, you should contact a local certified arborist or a specialist in tree care to properly evaluate the tree.  Sometimes a dying tree can be saved by changing a few small things.  Other times, nothing can be done and it’s best to remove the tree.

 

We’ve seen many trees die over the past year as a direct result of the drought conditions.  In fact, local city councils like in Danville, San Ramon, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek have had to spend monies to either repair or replace numerous trees.

 

Sexy Trees has a certified arborist with years of experience.  If you are concerned about a particular tree or have questions, feel free to contact us at Sexytrees.com.

 

 

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3 Causes for Dry and Brittle Trees

Berkeley Tree Removal

Dry trees can often drop branches and break leave tips easily, becoming a hazard during storms and strong winds. Most homeowners would prefer to have lush green trees in their yards to provide shade, however it’s not uncommon to find dry and brittle trees in your yard. But what are the main causes of dryness in trees? While sufficient water is an important factor it’s not the only cause contributing to dry and brittle trees.

Drought Stress

One of the most obvious and common causes for dry trees in California is drought stress. Drought stress can cause tree branches to become weak and fall easily, and also causes leaves to go brown and drop from the tree. Signs of drought stress also include slowed growth, a thinning canopy, and dying twigs high in the branches. The signs of drought stress are not necessarily obvious, and once the characteristic signs begin to show themselves it maybe too late to rescue the tree. Drought stress can eventually destroy your trees, leading to the need for tree removal.

Drought stress can be avoided by limiting pruning during drought times, avoiding using fertilizer, and applying organic mulch around the root system instead. When watering trees during dry or hot seasons, soak the roots less often rather than watering shallowly more often. If you need to prune trees call a qualified arborist to provide expert service to protect your trees and keep them healthy.

Over-Fertilization

Trees that grow rapidly are not as strong as those with slow, steady growth. Avoiding fast growing tree types can help to avoid dry and brittle trees, especially if your garden is going through difficult conditions such as a drought. Trees can also grow too fast if they’re supplied with too much fertilizer.

Fertilizer can ‘fast track’ growth without the tree being able to support the new growth with adequate nutrients or water. While fertilizer seems like a great way to ‘feed’ trees, it’s better to take a slower, more natural approach, and have an arborist apply mulch. Avoid fertilizing trees that are already dry or brittle, under drought stress or suffering from insect infestations or disease.

Pest Infestations and Diseases

Various pest infestations and tree diseases can cause trees to become weak, leaves and branch tips to become brown, and bark to go dry and fall off. The symptoms vary depending on the particular disease or infestation affecting the tree. If you notice your tree undergoing any unusual changes or you see visible signs of disease or pests on your tree, it’s important to call your local arborist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the specific condition affecting your tree and treat it in order to save the tree and prevent the condition spreading.

Dry and brittle trees could signify an underlying condition affecting your trees. If you notice dry and brittle trees, it’s important to act fast to prevent tree death or damage to your garden or property. Call a professional arborist as soon as possible to help get your trees back to full health.

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What Are The Most Drought Resistant Plants and Trees?

Walnut Creek Tree Pruning

With drought spreading across most of California, and now affecting many other states across the U.S. as well, many more homeowners are looking for alternatives to keeping their homes and gardens beautiful while minimizing water usage. One of the best ways to do this is to switch out your lawn and water hungry plants for drought tolerant plants, trees, and landscapes. A drought tolerant landscape designed by a skilled arborist will be resistant to water shortages and look beautiful all year round. Here we look at how the drought situation might affect you and your garden, and how you can maintain a beautiful landscape with drought resistant trees and plants.

Drought Affected Areas

If you’re living in California, you may be all too familiar with the effects of drought, however drought conditions are also prevalent in over 30 states across the U.S. More than half of California is currently in a state of drought, with 59% of the state affected. Nearby Nevada is also affected in 22% of the state, while 28% of Georgia, 40% of Massachusetts, and 27% of New York is also affected by drought. Regardless of the dry conditions in these states, the right knowledge of tree care and low water plants and trees can help to maintain a beautiful outdoor environment, even in drought conditions.

Drought Resistant Trees

Tree trimming and tree pruning can help to reduce water consumption by trees, however it can also result in tree death and the need for tree removal. A better solution is to plant drought resistant trees which have leaves that use water efficiently, waxy coatings that protect from water loss, and extensive root systems to maximize water absorption. While a tree company or certified arborist can provide expert advice on which kind of trees would best suit your environment and aesthetic taste, some of the drought resistant trees suitable for California and the Bay Area include Western sycamore, California oak, Southern magnolia, Eldarica pine, Kentucky coffee tree, White oak, Northern red oak, Eastern red cedar, and the Thornless honeylocust.

Furthermore, the California sycamore and Holly oak are drought resistant, but only once established. Choose drought resistant trees, or contact a tree cutting service to prune your trees safely and appropriately in order to keep your garden drought friendly. 

Drought Resistant Plants

Drought resistant plants can also feature in a drought resistant garden, and they make the perfect addition to homes with smaller available garden space. Drought resistant flowers such as hawthorns and crepe myrtle, drought tolerant succulents and dry climate grasses all contribute to added variety and color in a drought resistant garden.

Drought Resistant Landscaping

Lush, green lawns are great, but not during a drought. Why let your grass go brown and die when you can swap out your thirsty lawn for a drought resistant landscape? If you want to maintain the appearance of green grass without the water consumption, realistic artificial grass could be the ideal solution. Gravel or stone landscapes interspersed with succulents and other drought resistant plants also look stunning and add a modern landscape feature to the home. Ornamental grasses and perennial flowering plants add a touch of variety and color.

Although drought conditions look set to stay for a while, with the assistance of a professional arborist to build the perfect drought resistant garden for your home, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape year from season to season.

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How To Conserve Water In Your Garden This Summer

Berkeley Tree Care

Summer is a time when a lot of plants and trees are putting forth new growth and even providing fruit. However, the hot summer weather and increased growth means that plants also have an increased need for water. As much of California is still experiencing drought, and the drought conditions are being felt in local areas such as Walnut Creek, Concord, Berkeley and Pleasant Hill, it’s important for homeowners and gardeners to be aware of how to prepare their trees and gardens for the drought, while also conserving water and using a more environmentally sustainable approach. Here we look at some tips for plant and tree care to conserve water and maximize your garden’s health in summer.

Water the Right Amount

If you are under-watering or over-watering your garden, you not only pose the risk of damaging your plants, you may also simply be wasting water and doing more work than you need to. With proper tree identification from an experienced tree specialist, you can establish exactly how frequently you should be watering your plants and trees for their optimal health. Once this schedule has been established, stick to a routine of watering your plants only when they need it.

Observe Your Plants and Trees

One of the ways you can establish how often your plants need watering is by observing your plants and trees for signs of water loss such as dryness and wilting. Plants with larger leaves lose water more quickly than plants with smaller leaves, so use large-leaved plants in your garden as an indicator for when you should water.

Trees that aren’t watered adequately can drop more leaves and branches than necessary, which in extreme cases can require cabling and bracing. If you’re not sure how often your tree should be watered, consult a tree doctor for specialized advice.

Water Deeply

If you’re wondering exactly how to water trees in order to conserve water, deep watering is the method for you. Deep watering is a technique that helps essential hydration for plants reach deep into the roots up to 8-12 inches below the ground, rather than just wetting the surface. This is particularly important in summer, as huge water losses due to evaporation can occur in hot weather. It’s better to water plants and trees more heavily on less days of the week than watering just a little bit every day.

Deep watering also helps tree and plant roots reach deeper into the soil for greater stability and strength, and avoids wetting the leaves of the trees and shrubs which can give rise to fungal disease.

Use Mulch

Once you have thoroughly watered your tree and plant roots it’s important to cover the root area in mulch in order to limit evaporative water losses and protect tree roots from the heat. Mulch can be provided by your local tree specialist to act as an insulating cover that conserves water in the soil and also helps to optimize soil health, which is essential in drought conditions.

Drought Resistant Plants

One of the best ways to conserve water in your garden is to plant drought resistant plants and shrubs which are tolerant of low water conditions and more suited to the native environment. Of course, pruning trees can reduce their water usage, but it can also lead to the tree dying or failing to grow.

If you want to make you garden more drought tolerant, consult with a qualified arborist to choose plants that both help to conserve precious water and fit into your landscape.

With these tips you can conserve water in the garden and create a beautiful landscape that flourishes even in drought conditions.