The new measure requires local water suppliers to incorporate water conserva- tion through a variety of means, ranging from education and outreach to install- ing landscaping with low water needs. Even still, California regulation puts a priority on protecting trees. Water sup- pliers will be able to request a variance for irrigating existing trees, and the plan incentivizes planting new trees that are better suited to a drier climate. CONCLUSION Arborists have many options for con- serving water, ranging from manual techniques to advanced automated systems. Each situation may require a different solution, depending on factors such as cost, installation complexity, and ease of use. Ultimately, adopting effective wa- ter conservation practices results in healthier trees, reduced water usage, and ecological benefits.
emphasized that this technology en- sures trees receive the right amount of water. “It’s not just about saving water; it’s about getting the right amount of water for a tree group,” Tavares explained. Toro typically places Transpira sensors directly on three trees per block. Along with sap flow, Transpira considers en- vironmental conditions and informa- tion about specific species of trees to suggest how much irrigation the block will need in the coming week. Currently, Toro is primarily focusing on Transpira usage with crops such as apples, tree nuts, citrus and avocados, but the technology can be used in arbo- riculture applications as well. According to Tavares, commercial land- scapers buying hundreds of trees to be planted in blocks around a project could use the technology to monitor tree health and conserve water.
Meanwhile, nurseries could use the technology both to ensure their trees are getting the right amount of water and to gain knowledge about proper watering levels they can share with customers. Looking ahead, Tavares suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a role in simplifying irrigation recom- mendations by analyzing data from tree sensors, onsite weather stations, and weather forecasts. “AI can take a lot of data and simplify it to recommend how long to irrigate,” he said. WATER REGULATIONS In some regions, water conservation is not just encouraged — it is mandated. For example, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted new water conservation measures in July 2024, addressing the state’s projected 10% shortfall in water supply by 2040.
52 | ArborTIMES Fall 2024
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