• It is not recommended to try to restore vegetation to the extent and type that existed before the piñon die-off.

• Homeowners can expect new plant communities to appear and evolve on their land over time; learn to enjoy this pattern of eco-system evolution. A new appearance will develop based on appropriate plants for our soils and available water. A mixture of vegetation types and styles will evolve. Diversity can add stability.

• The exposed soils are now susceptible to erosion; therefore, re-establishing native grasses is a priority. Steep slopes may need additional erosion barriers.

• Natural areas should probably consist of 80% grasses, 10-15% trees and shrubs, with the remainder in flowering perennials.

• Planting trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials should be a small percentage of the restoration.

• New plantings of conifers, particularly pines, are still susceptible to insect attack.

• Xeriscape principals based on three zones of planting area are recommended.

  • Zone 1 - Oasis Zone: Close to residences where regular watering available.

  • Zone 2 - Transistion Zone : Water is available to establish plants, but long-term watering is limited.

  • Zone 3 - Natural Zone: Planting can survive without irrigation under normal precipitation

• The piñon die-off is a natural response to the changing conditions. It will take time to adjust to our new condition, so have patience.

• The entire piñon pine population will not disappear. Preliminary observations indicate that numerous piñon seedlings are present in the areas where some of the existing populations are dying.

• The drought is not over

*Handout from The Piñon Initiative - handout does not have credit for which agency presented this information....