A message has been sent out to all locals about water preservation, as the giant Sequoia trees are drying and dying in the California drought, which has been going on for the past four years. Concerns have reached a worrying peak as the dry weather in California is now entering its fifth year of an historical drought.
It has resulted in numerous warnings and precautions taken all throughout the state, but now, another possible consequence has been brought to the attention of the public. The giant Sequoia trees are highly under stress due to the dry season, and numerous organizations, including the U.S. Forest Service and California ReLeaf, Save our Water, are gathering their efforts to save them from the brink of death.
The trees in Sequoia National Park are showing clear signs of stress, losing up to 75% of their leaves, and researchers have taken up to climbing 50 of the tall, imposing structures in order to better understand the drought’s effect on these samples of nature’s wonders.
It’s no small feat at all. Sequoiadendron giganteum, or giant Sequoia, is the tallest species of trees on Earth and need to be treated with care, as they are also among the oldest living things left. One can grow up to a staggering 380 feet in height, and can survive on 500 gallons of water per day.
The oldest known tree is set to be 3,500 years old, while several others in the park pass over the 3,000 year old. It has become a landmark that is now being threatened by unfortunate climate conditions, which tree ecologist, Anthony Ambrose at the University of California, is trying to prevent before more harm is caused.
According to Ambrose, the trees have seen irreparable damage already, and a full recovery is not possible even if the drought stops within the next couple of months. The snows from the mountains can only do so much, and state officials are required to take measures if they wish to save these historical and ancient trees.
They have survived many droughts throughout their life, wildfires and storms, but it seems the four-year long condition that California is experiencing might be the one that ends their life. A number of 40 giant Sequoia trees have been reported to be stressed by the arid circumstances.
A campaign has been started to promote proper preservation of water, planting of drought-resisting trees and water management, that will not only help Californians through the dry, five-year long season, but also help save such astounding samples of nature’s capabilities.
Image source: redorbit.com
Melody Harpole says
A full recovery isn’t possible?? Please give us the name of the so called expert who gave you that bogus information. Unless the tree is dead, it can recover.