Four years of unprecedented drought has taken its toll on this once spectacular tree. It's early in the season yet, but it is sprouting new growth close to the trunk and larger branches. The protected native tree, like so many other trees, have been growing out of season due to the unheard of 3" of rain we had on one day in September.
Due to the orientation of the hillside blocking afternoon sun on this part of the Red Car Property and Riverside Drive, California Black Walnuts tend drop their leaves late in December and sprout new growth later than the rest of the property. It's hard to say what's normal this year.
Native trees are very well adapted to drought as they evolved with our Southern California drought or deluge cycles of rain. They also help hold our steep hillsides together when it does rain.
Related:
Debs Park native plant nursery growing without El Nino rains: The Eastsider
City of Los Angeles: Protected Native Tree Ordinance
City of Los Angeles: Dept of Urban Forestry
California Drought Monitor Map
