The Davey Tree Expert Co. partnered with California ReLeaf, Save Our Water and a coalition of urban forest and other organizations to raise awareness on the importance of proper tree care during the California drought.
With potentially millions of urban trees at risk, according to the company, the “Save Our Water and Our Trees!” partnership is an attempt to do just that by highlighting tips for residents and agencies on how to water and care for trees. The company said it’s important that trees not only survive the drought but also thrive to provide shade, beauty and habitat, clean the air and water, and make California cities and towns healthier and more livable for decades to come.
“This summer it is vital that Californians limit outdoor water use while preserving trees and other important landscaping,” said Jennifer Persike, deputy executive director of external affairs and operations for the Association of California Water Agencies.
Save Our Water has been urging Californians to “Let It Go” this summer by limiting outdoor water use and letting lawns fade to gold, while preserving water resources for trees and other important landscapes.
Save Our Water’s website is available in both English and Spanish and is filled with tips, tools and inspiration to help Californians find new and creative ways to conserve. The website has many resources available including tips on how to keep trees healthy during the drought and an interactive section allowing users to visually explore how they can save water both inside and outside the home.
To start, the partnership offered the following tips to save lawn trees during the drought:
- Deeply and slowly water mature trees one to two times per month with a simple soaker hose or drip system toward the edge of the tree canopy—not at the base of the tree. Use a hose faucet timer (found at hardware stores) to prevent overwatering;
- Young trees need five gallons of water two to four times per week. Create a small watering basin with a berm of dirt;
- Shower with a bucket and use that water for your trees as long as it is free of non-biodegradable soaps or shampoos;
- Do not over-prune trees during drought. Too much pruning combined with drought can stress your trees; and
- Mulch, mulch, mulch. Four to six inches of mulch helps retain moisture, reducing water needs and protecting your trees.
