According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report, on September 5, 2023, 95.3% of Louisiana is experiencing drought conditions. The data collected is characterized into five different categories to help determine the severity such as Abnormally Dry, Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, and Exceptional Drought.
Washington Parish was categorized as 100% Extreme Drought on August 29th but after the recent rainfall the percentages changed between three different categories. Only 6.72% of our parish downgraded to the Severe Drought category leaving 39.98% as Extreme Drought and an increase of 33.26% in the worst category, Exceptional Drought. How is it possible that only 6.72% seen a slight improvement while 39.98% remained the same and 33.26% got worse even with the recent rainfall?
Have you ever forgotten to water a potted plant for an extended period? After coming back from vacation, we would water ours, but the water would repel and pour straight out of the bottom. The only way we could get them to absorb water was by soaking them in a bucket of water for an extended period. We are currently experiencing the same scenario but on a much larger scale. During a drought soil can become hydrophobic from the lack of moisture and humidity. When soil becomes dry, organic matter such as oil, resin, and wax rise to the surface creating a water-repelling surface. Combine hydrophobic soil with a thunderstorm that is known to produce a large amount of precipitation in a short amount of time, and most of the water runs off into drains and streams rather than being absorbed.
In answering the question, data shows only 6.72% of our parish has slightly improved while other parts have remained the same or worsened. It is important to follow local and state advisories regarding the burning or trash, fields, etc. Our first responders are on the front lines and they need help from the community to act responsibly. Avoid open flames, outdoor cooking, fires even in a fire pit or burn barrel, and flicking your cigarettes out of your hand. We cannot sit back and be observers of the world around us, we must be actively involved and diligent in keeping our community safe. The drought affects us all and even though we've received rain and there's dew on the grass in the mornings, and you walk outside to brisk morning air… we are still in a drought, trees and other vegetation is still dry and under excessive stress, and the potential for fire is still abnormally high.
If you need an arborist, please don't hesitate to call us at 985-839-2637 or 985-205-4093. We would rather give you good, reliable information and advice than for you to tackle a project that finds you ill prepared. We want homeowners to be safe around trees and make good decisions when it comes to the treatment and ongoing care of their landscape.
If you have any questions, please email us at onecallsawworks@gmail.com or mail them to P.O. Box 427, Franklinton, LA 70438.
