AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin is known for many different things — lush greenery is one.

But with the drought many of our trees have been struggling.

The recent rains have brought enough relief that the city has decided to downgrade water restrictions to  help save the trees. 

“It’s a benefit for the community because we can protect our tree canopy, one of the things that make Austin unique here in Texas,” said Jason Hill of Austin Water Utility.

Water has become like gold in Texas, and is the No. 1 priority. But with lake levels above what is expected, the city wants focus on protecting the city’s trees.

“The trigger for Stage 2 is combined levels of Lake McCanyon and Lake Travis being at 900,000 acre-feet, we drop below that we go into Stage 2,” Hill said.

You can say the city is “testing the waters” with this downgrade, they hope they will be able to find a good balance with conserving water and saving trees, Gerlene Canady agrees.

“You have to conform and conserve, but the trees are important.” Canady said.

Canady doesn’t care too much about losing the grass, it’s the decade old trees she cares about.

“The grass not so much, but the trees I need to save,” she said.

The new Stage 2 water restriction will go into effect July 16.  

• Odd Addresses can water:  Wednesday and Saturday
• Even Addresses can water: Thursday and Sunday
• Commercial properties can water:  Tuesday and Friday  

Residents can only water lawns after 7 p.m. and before 5 a.m.