Drought sets up ’emergency situation’ for Calif. trees
By Lisa M. Krieger, San Jose Mercury NewsÂ
The rush to save water is claiming legions of unintended casualties — California’s trees.
Specimens that have stood tall and strong for decades are stressed and dying because of the drought, as Californians turn off spigots to comply with Gov. Jerry Brown’s mandatory conservation measures.
All over the state — in yards, on median strips and along freeways — ghostly sheaves of brown leaves will be an enduring symbol of the drought, long after winter rains resume. Their loss will reduce habitat, shade and property values, experts say.
So many trees are dying in the fourth year of this historic drought that some cities have begun delivering truckloads of water in an effort to save them.