Although we’re in a drought, we shouldn’t neglect our trees. When you stop watering trees, they’ll likely die; and losing trees is very costly. Not only will you incur the high cost of removing them, but you’ll also lose the benefits your trees provide your family and the rest of the community:

• Trees provide shade to your landscape and reduce watering needs.
• Trees help keep your home cooler.
• Trees improve air and water quality.
• Trees slow storm water runoff.
• Trees reduce soil erosion.
• Trees add value—sometimes thousands of dollars worth—to your home and neighborhood.

Learn More About How To Protect Your Trees

California Urban Forest Council - Save Water Save Trees Handout
California ReLeaf - Preserving California's Urban Trees During Drought
TreePeople.org - How to Keep Trees Alive Flyer

 Simple Ways to Save Your Trees

1. Use recycled water instead of potable water for your trees.


2. Apply 1-2 inches of compost and 2-3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
   
   

   * FREE RLV Community Compost and recycled water are available at our Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility, 3700 Las Virgenes Rd, every Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

3. Water mature trees deeply and slowly 1 – 2 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.

4. Young trees need five gallons of water 2 – 4 times per week. Create a small watering basin with a berm of dirt.

5. Do not over-prune trees during drought. Too much pruning can stress your trees.

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