Sometimes a phone call or email conversation can help clear up any questions you may have. Feel free to call us at 925-806-0643 or send us an email. Get started below:
Sometimes a phone call or email conversation can help clear up any questions you may have. Feel free to call us at 925-806-0643 or send us an email. Get started below:
Is California’s drought over?
Technically, no. California has more evaporation than precipitation – we’re always in drought. The good news is that we are in notably less drought.
With the deluge of December rains and the record Sierra snowfall, our reservoirs are once again starting to refill. When the U.S. Drought Monitor released its January 11th map, there was NO “exceptional” drought in the state — something that hasn’t happened since December of 2020. Additionally, less than 2% of the state is in the “extreme” drought category. That leaves the state in a more “normal” moderate to severe drought.
Unfortunately, the seasonal outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is for another drier-than-normal rainy season for most of California.
For those of us who have lived in the Bay Area for a while, we are used to the rain/drought cycle of the Mediterranean climate we live in: wet and green generally December through March, dry and brown the rest of the year. With the continued trend of dryer winters and hotter summers, we are likely to stay in at least “severe” drought conditions for some time.
If you have not lived in the Bay Area for some time, the lack of summer rain and the concept of water rationing may be a bit confusing. Fear not! You can have a happy life in drought-state California!
As California’s state of drought seems to be a growing cause of concern, even the natives are looking for ways to increase their water conservation. The nice thing is that simple changes can make a big difference – especially inside your home.
Property owners can make huge improvements in conservation. On average, residential landscaping consumes about 30% of household water use. Imagine the amount of water – and money – a person could save by reducing their property’s consumption! Winter/early spring is a great time to make water-saving landscape improvements to our properties. Just a few measures you could take:
California Native Gardens do more than reduced water consumption. Native Gardens create native wildlife habitats for pollinators (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds), larger birds, and amphibians – all signs of a lively and healthy garden!
If you’re thinking about starting your own low water use landscape project here are some great resources:
Happy Gardening!!
We invite you to email us today whether you’re ready to get started, curious about the process or have general landscape questions.