The iconic Saguaro cacti of Arizona are in crisis. They can grow to be over 50 feet tall and live for over 150 years. This summer, many homeowners and plant enthusiasts have reported a rapid decline in their health. Some are leaning, losing arms, and even falling over. The extreme heat and drought in the desert are believed to be the cause. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the alarming phenomenon of the cacti epidemic in Arizona, explore its causes, and offer insights and solutions for homeowners and desert enthusiasts to help protect these iconic plants.
Why is this happening?
Plant experts believe this is happening due to the record-breaking extreme heat that we experienced this summer. The combination of high temperatures and low rainfall this summer has stressed the cacti, making them more susceptible to disease and pests.
What can you do to protect them?
There are a few things you can do to help protect your Saguaro cacti:
- – Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
- – Mulch around the base of the cactus to help retain moisture.
- – Remove any dead or diseased limbs.
- – If you see a cactus that is leaning or appears to be in distress, contact us today. We can help with relocation, planting new ones, and or diagnosing the cacti.
- – Plant native plants in your yard that will help to provide shade and moisture for the cacti.
By taking these simple steps, we can all help to protect these amazing plants for future generations. Together, we can help protect these iconic plants and ensure that they continue to thrive in the Arizona desert.