According to the National Interagency Fire Center, “The ongoing drought will increase the possibility of wildfires in California.”
The drought as well as bark beetle infestation have caused the death of over 40 million trees throughout California. This number has increased significantly since 2014, when California had 3.3 million dead trees. With 40 million dead trees, there is a lot of opportunity for potential fires. The Sacramento Valley and Southern California regions have seen especially high fire warnings through July and August. Cal Fire has been over staffing this year to prepare for the possibility of a more active fire season.
Although we received a good amount of rainfall this year, we will need 2 – 3 years of average rainfall to bring tree moisture levels back to normal. According to Forest Service, ” 40 million dead trees have been accounted for, but 58 million are suffering from severe water loss due to the drought.”
In these dry summer months be cautious of your surroundings. If you are camping or spending time at your summer cabin, be aware of fallen and dead trees around you.
As always, the New Image Tree Division is available to provide any tree care services that you may need. Our ISA Certified Arborists can inspect the trees at your property and provide you with knowledgeable insight and recommendations for your trees.
Call us today to set up a consultation with our Tree Division Staff (888) 226 – 9191
Image provided by David Miskus NOAA/NWS/NCEP/Climate Prediction Center
