November 2024. By JT Wilkinson: It’s not clear what to expect in the next few months. While NOAA expects a dry year in the southwest, it calls the trajectory of LA weather “a toss-up.” How do we simultaneously prepare to thrive whether we see rain or shine? We’re friends, so we are happy to share our secrets!
When In Rain
Just in case our rainy season is, indeed, rainy, we prepare for high rainfall. This looks like slowing, spreading and sinking rain. To do that, we check the health of tree canopy, prepare native foliage for growth spurts.
We’ll also secure slopes with fill-ins of deep rooting native foliage and clear waterways, from gutters to bioswales.
When In Shine
If our rainy season runs dry, we’ll need to do all we can to help our foliage and soil hold onto its hydration – this means slowing, spreading and sinking as much rainfall as we can.
Of course, we’ll also want to do all we can to fight fire without water. That looks like choosing native foliage with roots that will grow deep to find water. Critically, we also need to keep the five feet closest to the home, including gutters, free of litter.
Because we orient ourselves to the long term good, our actions remain pretty much the same. Whether the weather aims to saturate or desiccate, we’ll be digging, planting, and pruning alongside you to ensure LA thrives.