Ann, we get about 30 inches precipitation per year, but have a dry season from middle July to middle of September. During that time it can get very hot and is a stressful time for trees and all flora and fauna for that matter. Some of the views you see above are shot over clearcuts or selective thinnings. Some pine and fir stands are very thick indeed, particularly young stands of Grand Fir and Lodgepole Pine. I think you are in a mixed coniferous/hardwood zone, aren't you?