Hydration Help for California Landscapes: ArborKelp® + Irrigation Summer Care In California, water scarcity isn’t just a seasonal issue, it’s a year-round challenge that impacts every tree and plant, from native oaks to ornamental shrubs. Whether you're managing a business park in SoCal or a residential property outside Sacramento, landscape success often hinges on a simple but common question: Are your trees getting enough water, and are they using it effectively? At SavATree, we answer that question with science-backed solutions. One of our most effective tools? ArborKelp®, a proprietary biostimulant that works in conjunction with supplemental irrigation to support root health, moisture retention, and long-term drought resilience. What Is ArborKelp®, and Why Does It Matter in California? ArborKelp® is SavATree’s exclusive seaweed-based biostimulant designed to support trees under stress. Unlike traditional fertilizers, which focus primarily on delivering nitrogen and phosphorus, ArborKelp® strengthens a tree’s root system and improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture. In regions like California, where rainfall is scarce in the off-season and summer temperatures climb rapidly, ArborKelp® gives trees a better chance of holding onto what little water they get. It works especially well when: Trees are planted in high-heat, low-humidity zones Irrigation systems are underperforming or inconsistent Parking lot islands and compacted soils limit moisture infiltration Mature trees are showing signs of long-term drought stress Combating Common Stressors: Drought, Heat, and Transplant Shock ArborKelp® is effective against the three big threats to tree vitality in California landscapes: Drought: Helps roots absorb and retain water longer. Heat stress: Supports critical root functions in extreme temperatures. Transplant shock: Encourages root growth without overstimulating top growth, increasing survival for new plantings. It’s also ideal for trees undergoing treatment for disease or insect infestation, when standard fertilizers could worsen the issue. Timing Matters: When and How to Apply ArborKelp® While ArborKelp® can be used any time of year, many arborists recommend applying it before or during peak stress periods—typically late spring through summer in California. Unlike traditional fertilization, ArborKelp® doesn’t risk burning the tree or disrupting dormancy. Applications are performed via soil injection, using a steel rod to deliver the solution 8 inches deep, directly into the root zone, around the tree’s drip line. This process helps ArborKelp® reach the parts of the root system that absorb the most water and nutrients. ArborKelp® + Irrigation: A Smart Partnership No biostimulant can replace water, but ArborKelp® can maximize the impact of the water you do provide. It’s particularly helpful in regions where irrigation alone isn’t enough to keep soil moist between waterings. This makes it an excellent companion to our broader Plant Health Care (PHC) programs, especially in: Southern California commercial landscapes where island trees often suffer from poor irrigation or heat reflection from pavement Residential properties with older trees in compacted soil New developments where trees haven’t yet established strong root systems In California, even native species like coast live oaks can show signs of decline without additional support. In one case outside Sacramento, SavATree arborists treated a struggling oak with ArborKelp®. Within two treatments, the tree showed improved foliage density and vigor, even in a dry, compacted site. The Hidden Risk: Overwatering and Underwatering California's arid climate creates a unique paradox: irrigation systems are either underperforming or overcompensating. Both scenarios can stress trees. ArborKelp® helps regulate moisture uptake in either case, supporting microbial activity and soil structure regardless of water volume. That makes it a flexible tool for arborists trying to strike the right balance on complex properties. Support Your Landscape with SavATree Whether you’re managing a single tree or a full-scale property, keeping California landscapes healthy in dry conditions requires more than just turning on the sprinklers. ArborKelp®, paired with strategic irrigation and proper pruning, can make the difference between stressed-out trees and thriving ones. Visit SavATree.com to schedule a consultation and learn how ArborKelp® fits into your drought defense strategy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.