As most Californians are aware, we are still in the midst of severe drought that is now going on its fifth year. The drought has been devastating for trees and many have been lost. Trees, especially more mature specimens, become more vulnerable to pests and disease when they are drought stressed. While some may question the sense in replacing lost trees, or even watering trees during a drought, saving our urban forest is essential.
The fact is that without trees, we cannot exist. Trees produce most of the oxygen that humans and animals need to live. Trees filter toxic pollutants out of the air and soil and prevent soil erosion. Trees actually help to produce rain, taking in water through the soil, which travels up the tree and comes out of its leaves into the air. This water vapor, besides having a cooling effect, enters our atmosphere and eventually turns into rain. Trees also provide shade and cool the air through their leaves.
Communities with an established urban forest such as Bixby Knolls enjoy many benefits from trees including a more beautiful neighborhood, cleaner air, increased property values, less stress, lower crime rates and happier children. Trees also provide habitat and food for birds and other wildlife. With so many trees dying, it is important to replace them in order to maintain the urban forest canopy.
Young trees cannot survive without adequate water during their establishment period. Young trees should be watered 3-4 times a month. A basin around a young tree, along with mulch on top of the soil will do a lot to keep moisture in. Mature trees need to be watered once or twice a month, depending on the species and degree of drought tolerance. Watering can be accomplished with a garden hose moved around to different points under the canopy with the nozzle turned low so that no run-off occurs. Other options would be placing a soaker hose spiraled out from the trunk or a pouring a bucket of water slowly around the drip line area, which extends out to where the canopy ends.
While water conservation efforts are vital in our drought stricken state, it is also important to consider trees as a valuable asset to both individual property owners and community as a whole.
Mary Kingman is an ISA Certified Arborist and Horticulturist who lives in Long Beach and works as an Estimator and Consulting Arborist for Economy Tree Care. She can be reached at (562) 988-3065
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