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1. How did the tree survive for so long before it looked stressed?

In all reality this tree should have succumbed many years ago. Not only was the site filled with 3-4 ft of crushed rock and gravel, but San Antonio Creek was also channelized even before that, taking away one of the tree's sources of water. However, man-made intervention inadvertently kept this tree alive: the porous gravel fill, supplemental irrigation, and adding mulch under the canopy all contributed to keeping the tree going.

Typically, Coast Live Oaks once established do not need supplemental irrigation and can in fact be harmed by too much water. In 2005 with the completion of the Native Oak Grove, supplemental irrigation ceased. The 2004-2005 storm season was an exceptionally wet storm season with rainfall totals being 23 inches above ‘normal’. This volume of water really provided a boost to all the newly planted oaks and the large oak.

The ensuing years produced largely below average rainfall, and without the supplemental irrigation to which it was accustomed, the tree began to show stress from drought conditions.

2. How often are you watering the tree?

During the hot months the tree is receiving supplemental water about once per month. Once the rainy season comes, the supplemental water will be cut back.

3. How long will the tree be fenced off?

The perimeter of the oak tree is temporarily fenced off with a plastic fencing material, which will be in place indefinitely until the tree shows marked improvement. This serves as a barrier to keep the public out of harm’s way from potential falling branches or limbs, or falling into excavated area. Additionally, the barrier is meant to keep human foot traffic (soil compaction) off of any feeder-surface roots, and to keep any climbers out of the tree.

The picnic tables that once sat under the big oak tree have been relocated to shady spots throughout the Oak Grove. There are also picnic tables and benches interspersed throughout the Wilderness Park. We invite you to come enjoy your lunch in the oak grove or park, or take a seat on one of the benches provided in the Water Wise Demonstration Garden.

4. Why are you not doing more to save the tree?

The tree took a long time to show stress and it is going to take some time to show some improvement as well. The district has been monitoring the tree's health since 2012. The district excavated the tree trunk to expose the root flare and has been giving it supplemental irrigation as recommended by professional arborists.

Regarding the tree's aesthetic appearance, trimming dead branches in the summer would cause the tree's living branches to be sunburned, so the district will hold off on any trimming until the sun is less intense.

5. Will the tree survive?

We are not sure if the tree will make it through this period. Our staff is closely monitoring its progress. The tree's feeder roots have grown back to the surface and there are still areas of growth within the canopy.

CBWCD is passionate about the care and recovery of this magnificent tree. The district continues to provide the care the tree needs to ensure the highest percentage of survival. We have not thrown in the towel on this tree!

6. Won't a tree die if the soil grade is changed?

Typically, yes. The additional soil materials will essentially suffocate the trunk from lack of gas exchange, create a moist habitat for deadly bacteria and fungal infections, and bury feeder roots, limiting the ability to transport oxygen, water and nutrients.

However, it appears this grade change happened with primarily rocks and gravel, which formed a porous cover and allowed moisture to get through to the tree's roots. In addition, a lawn and sprinkler system was created around the perimeter of this tree that allowed water to feed the tree even as it was being compromised and struggling to adjust to its new environment. These actions have allowed this tree to survive where in most cases it would have died within a year after the grade change. Oxygen, water and nutrients were provided, though via a somewhat compromised means. Additionally, with this porous fill, the buried feeder roots were able to grow back to the existing surface grade within some degree.

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1. What is a drought?

A drought is a condition that occurs when the precipitation is below normal for some extended period of time. Droughts are not rare; they are a natural recurring feature of the climate. Though they vary significantly from one region to another; they occur in virtually all climate zones. Learn more about California water resources and how to be more efficient.

2. What differentiates a normal rainfall year from a dry year?

Most of California’s precipitation comes from storms moving across the Pacific Ocean. The path followed by the storms is determined by the position of an atmospheric high-pressure belt that normally shifts southward during the winter months. On average, 75% of California’s annual precipitation occurs between November and March, with 50% occurring between December and February.

3. What were typical reductions in urban water use during the last drought?

In 1991, the driest single year of the last drought, large urban water agencies used measures such as voluntary conservation, mandatory rationing, and extensive education and outreach programs to achieve 20% – 30% water reductions.

4. When was California’s last major drought?

California's last major drought was from 1987 to 1992. Governor Brown declared another drought emergency in January of 2014. Visit Aquafornia for more information.

5. How do droughts affect groundwater use?

In an average year, about 30% of California’s urban and agricultural water supplies come from groundwater pumping. Reliance on groundwater increases during droughts due to the reduced availability of surface water. Increased groundwater pumping during droughts results in increased lowering of water levels in groundwater basins. Information about Department of Water Resources changes in groundwater levels is available; use the map interface to locate your area of interest.

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1. How far in advance should I book a field trip?

Field Trip Requests are accepted for the current school year beginning in August. Our calendar fills very quickly so we recommend send your request as early as possible. We also recommend making transportation recommendations with your school district or a bus company as soon as you have your trip with us scheduled.

2. Can any group visit your facility?

Yes! We offer tours and field trip programs to groups of all ages and types, including schools, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, community and home school groups. Call us to schedule your program or visit our Schedule a Field Trip page to learn more. Field trip programs are free and open to all groups. Transportation to our programs is free for up to $400 per bus per day for the schools that are within our service area.

3. Can our whole grade come for a field trip?

Yes. You are not limited to a certain number of field trips per grade or school. Due to space limitations, we limit the number of students to 70 per day. If you have more students, we will schedule two or more days so everyone can come visit.

4. Can we eat lunch at your facility after our field trip?

Yes! Your group is welcome to eat at our facility before heading back to school. We have a wonderful park where you are welcome to spread out and take advantage of the picnic tables or grass. You may also enjoy the garden; the amphitheater is a nice space if you need some shade.

5. How many parents are allowed to join on the field trip?

Parents are welcome and encouraged, as long as they are actively engaged in the activities and helping with the students during the trip. We recommend at least two (2) parents per class and no more than three (6) parents per class. We reserve the right to decline parents in excess of six per class.

6. How much do field trip programs and tours cost?

All field trip programs and tours are free. We also provide transportation cost reimbursement for schools within our service area of up to $400 per bus per day.

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1. What is recycled water and where does it come from?

The water that flows to residential and commercial indoor plumbing (sinks, toilets, and other drains) flows to a local wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and purified and used again for outdoor irrigation or industrial purposes. Although recycled water looks just like potable (drinking) water, it is not be used for human consumption.

2. What are the benefits of recycled water?

The many benefits of recycled water include a reliable, low cost water supply for irrigation and industrial water uses within a city, a reduction on the city’s potable water needs, and reduced cost compared to potable water.

3. Is recycled water poisonous?

No. Studies have shown no adverse effects from drinking recycled water; however, it is not approved by the FDA for drinking over a long period of time.

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1. How much water do we typically use?

The average person uses almost 100 gallons of water per day.

2. How is the water used around the home?

Landscape irrigation typically accounts for 50 to 60% of the residential water consumption. Traditional appliances and fixtures, toilets, and clothes washers are the highest consumers of indoor water, followed by showers and faucets.

3. Do low-flow toilets really work?

Yes, they reduce the water required per flush from 3.5, 5, or 7 gallons to 1.6 gallons, saving water and reducing your water bill. Low-flow toilets have been engineered with higher velocity flushing to clear wastes, versus higher volumes of water.

The Water Conservation Center has very high efficiency toilets, using just .8 gallons per flush. They incorporate air pressure and suction to use less water. Come see them for yourself!

4. Do more efficient water fixtures and appliances really make a difference?

Yes, with water efficient devices installed and regular leak inspections, the typical household can reduce water use by 30% or more.

5. Why is checking for leaks so important?

Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water. A faucet dripping one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons per day. It is estimated that about 20% of toilets leak.

6. What can I do to lower my water consumption?

You can do a lot! View indoor conservation tips to get started.

7. What is California friendly landscaping?

It is a technique that creates water-efficient landscapes by using plants that are appropriate for the conditions of the environment. A well-designed California friendly landscape is beautiful and uses a fraction of the water required by a traditional landscape dominated by a lawn. View a study done in Santa Monica regarding water, gardening, and green waste savings.

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1. Can I get a list of plants for the Garden?

Yes! We are developing brochures for each demonstration area within the garden. Check back frequently for more updates. They will be available on the Garden page. Water Wise Demonstration Garden

2. How big is the Garden?

The garden is 1.75 acres. There are numerous model gardens that help homeowners identify water wise plants that would also look good in their home landscape. The model gardens include a Southwest Garden, a Woodland Garden, a Mediterranean Garden, a turf demonstration area to compare water use of different types of turf, and much more. Visit the Garden page for more information.

3. I didn't see a sign for a plant that I liked. Can you tell me what it is?

We are working to get more signs for the garden. Please do feel free to take a picture and ask staff to help identify a certain plant. Your feedback will help us develop more signs for the plants that get the most questions.

4. When is the Garden open?

The Garden is open Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and major holidays. Water Wise Demonstration Garden

5. Why does your garden have fountains when you are trying to conserve water?

All of the fountains in the demonstration garden have recirculating pumps to avoid using too much water. If state or local mandates require shutting off fountains, the District will abide by those rules.

In the meantime, the fountains provide a much needed resource for our local critters such as birds, butterflies, and bees. The Water Wise Demonstration Garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat, providing such things as water, food sources, shelter, and more for animals and insects. Providing water for birds and pollinators is important, especially when the natural environment is so dry. You can also provide water in your own yard -- set out a shallow dish and make a layer of rocks or other material on the bottom, so that insects don't drown. Refill with water daily. This can help our vital pollinators survive the drought.

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1. Does CBWCD provide rebates for artificial turf or other turf removal?

We do not directly provide rebates; however, we work with many cities and agencies that do have programs available for you.

Please note: As of July 2015, rebate funds have been exhausted. You may join a wait list to be notified in the fall, should more funds become available.

Every water provider's programs are slightly different, so checking with your water provider is the best place to start. We have outlined a number of the rebates for indoors and outdoors, including turf removal, on this page: Rebates and Incentives Page.

2. Do you recommend putting in artificial turf to save water?

Replacing your lawn is a big step. Synthetic turf is one option for lawn replacement. It can be great for areas that are high traffic, don’t get a lot of sun and grass or plants have trouble growing, or that doesn’t get easy water like a parking strip.

There are a few things to consider that might make artificial turf less ideal for your landscape. If placed over a large area, synthetic turf can create a heat island, while mulch and plants help retain soil moisture. We often recommend using mulch and low water use plants so that you can help avoid these heat islands and maintain an environment that is closer to nature.

Using artificial turf is a personal preference. If you would like to learn more about mulch and low water use plants, please get in touch with us. We have landscape design consultations and you can see plants for yourself in our Garden.

3. How do I get started trading my thirsty lawn for a more drought-tolerant landscape?

There are many resources to help you convert your lawn to a water wise landscape. Here are a few options to get you started:

• Visit our rebates and incentives page to learn more about turf removal rebates


• Visit our Landscape Evaluation and Audit page to learn more about our free audits


• Visit our Landscape Design Room to use our library and take advantage of free expert consultation by one of our staff. Learn more about it on this page.


• Peruse our Water Wise Landscaping page to learn more about landscaping practices.

4. How do I kill existing turf to be replaced by drought tolerant plant materials?

There are a few ways:

• Non-Chemical Option A: Physically pull, rake, roto-till, shovel etc. to remove roots stems and rhizomes. May take weeks or months. Water the area to germinate missed seeds, stems & roots to ensure full removal.


• Non-Chemical Option B: Cover turf area with clear plastic and seal at edges. This will allow grass and weeds to grow, then die from heat and suffocation. After two weeks, remove plastic and allow area to breathe for approximately three weeks. Give the areas water to germinate any remaining plant life. Repeat plastic process for another two weeks.


• Chemical: Herbicides with Glyphosphate as the active ingredient will kill turf grasses. Sometimes two to three applications of the herbicide are needed to insure that Bermuda grass and other emerging weed seeds are also killed. Water the dying turf grasses normally three days after first herbicide application and all other subsequent herbicide applications.

5. Do I have to plant all California natives in order to save water?

No. There is a wide range of plants that will grow successfully in this area that are not California natives. Keep in mind, California is a huge state with many different climate zones, so sometimes a native that is planted out of its adapted area will require more water than another plant. It does help to research which popular landscape plants might become invasive if you live close to wildlands such as the foothills or near open grasslands or desert.

The Water Wise Demonstration Garden at the WCC highlights native plants and non-natives that will do well in our arid climate. Come take a look to get inspiration for your landscape.

6. Do California native plants require extensive soil amendments and fertilizers?

No. Typically, California native plants do not need artificial fertilizer additives or organic amendments. These plants, if regional, are adapted to soils low in fertility and organic matter and a soil pH range of 7.2 – 7.5. However, if you were to add a small quantity of blood and bone meal within the root zone, the native plants would respond favorably to this practice. These are organic type fertilizers with a very slow release of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous). Great drainage and irrigation practices are huge keys to success when growing California native plants.

7. Are all California native plants drought tolerant?

No. Many of the regional native plants are not drought tolerant and are actually very water thirsty. These would include Western Sycamore, White Alder, Columbine, native Irises and riparian grasses, to name just a few. Researching the coastal and inland chaparral plant communities is the best way to determine which California native plants are drought tolerant. You can find which plants work best in your specific zone by searching the Sunset Plant Finder.

8. What types of irrigation do drought tolerant landscapes require?

All plants require water, even cacti and succulents. All newly planted plants will require a regular watering schedule until their roots are fully developed into the surrounding landscape. Establishment into a sustainable drought tolerant plant will typically occur within the first two to three years; trees usually take three to five years. Drip irrigation and overheard irrigation are acceptable irrigation practices.

• Drip Irrigation: For smaller plants (1 gallon containers), install three to four emitters per plant. Increase the number of emitters for larger plants/container size and as the size of the plant grows.


• Overhead Irrigation: Use stream rotor nozzles and apply irrigation in early morning. 4-7 a.m. is a good watering window for drought tolerant plant material. Water deeply and infrequently and as needed for the age and type of plants. Good soil drainage is critical for successfully growing many drought tolerant plants.

9. Can I water plants with water from the washer?

Yes, you can! This is called 'gray' water and is acceptable to use on ornamental plants. Do not use gray water to irrigate edible plants. Recommendations for using gray water:

• Use ‘safe’ –biodegradable laundry detergents. Read label carefully on the detergent box. Stay away from phosphate laced detergents.


• If using bleach, collect wash water in to buckets and expose this wash water to the air for three days. This will allow the chlorine bleach to evaporate out of the wash water.