2. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Learning Objectives
• How to develop strategic drought response plans
• Policy considerations
• Tools to achieve tree management efficiencies
• Community outreach methods
• Opportunities to raise funds to support tree preservation
10. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Benefits of Trees
• Shade
• Habitat
• Air Quality
• Water Quality
• Color
• Neighborhood and street
character
• Horticulture
• Culture & History
• Food Source
• Property Values
• Aesthetics
• Recreation
• Health & Well-being
15. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Drought Declarations
• Stage I- February 2014
• Voluntary 20% conservation
• Stage II- May 2014
• Drought Strategy Plan
• Required 20% conservation
• Stage III- May 2015
• 2013/2014 4th driest year on record
• 25% mandatory water conservation
16. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Strategic Drought Response Plan
• Assess the Departments tree assets and resources
• Short-term and longer-term impacts of reduced
water
• Need to protect historic resources
• Programmatic changes which could conserve water
use
• Modifications to irrigation practices
17. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Prioritize what trees get water
• Young trees- still establishing root system
• Historic trees and Notable specimens
• Rare trees
• Species drought intolerant
• Eucalyptus
• Pines
• Sycamores, Willows
18. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Actions to conserve water
• Postpone new plantings
• Change pruning practices
• Reduce removal of live tissue
• Focus on dead tissue
• Monitor trees in historically significant parks
• Develop Historic and Specimen Tree Action Plan
19. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Actions to conserve water
• Slow watering devices
• Gator Bags
• Irricades
• Mulch to reduce evaporation
• Implement water tracking
• Water meters installed on trucks
and trailer
24. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Results were Shocking
• 35 minutes to water young trees
• 2+ hours to water mature historic trees
Reaction:
• Install slow watering devices
• Gator bags on young trees
• Irricades on historic and mature trees
25. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Time Reduced, More trees watered
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
(min.)
Tree Gator Bag Installation
Time increase reflects staff reduced use of
side sprayer and hose and increase in probe
26. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
Time Reduced, More trees watered
0
50
100
150
200
250
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
(min)
Irricade Installation
Start watering Stone
Pines by hand
Average time now 13 min.
28. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksAndRec
What do you need?
• Financial support
• Purchase equipment
• Perform specialized treatments
• Volunteer support
• Adopt a street tree
• Bucket brigade