Summer is in full swing, but many trees are already preparing to go dormant for the fall. Neighborhoods are littered with brown leaves and some trees have even started turning color. While it can be beautiful and make us all hopeful for cooler temperatures, these early signs of autumn in August are likely caused by severe drought stress.

Now, in the fourth year of drought, our urban forest is struggling to survive. With limited water available and many irrigation systems turned off completely, trees are forced to enter into early dormancy in an attempt to use less water and stay alive. 

This early dormancy should serve as a call to action. It is our responsibility as a community to provide necessary water and care to our urban forest. Now is the time to save our water and our trees.

Here are some easy ways you can help:

1. Watch for signs of drought stress.

• Wilting, drooping leaves
• Brown, crispy leaves
• Premature leaf drop
• Early fall color
• Root suckers or water sprouts

2. Water your tree properly and responsibly.

3. Add wood chip mulch around your tree. 

4. Plant new trees to provide ongoing benefits of a healthy tree canopy to our region.

5. Download our drought tips and share with your neighbors