The health and growth of trees and shrubs are dependent on an adequate supply of water. This water can be supplied by rainfall or during periods of dryness by artificial watering.

Trees and shrubs show signs of water stress when they cannot take up enough moisture from the soil to replace water being lost to transpiration through the leaves. Windy conditions accelerate drying by increased transpiration and evaporation from the soil.

Symptoms of water stress are wilted leaves, browned or scorched leaf edges, and/or leaf drop. Any one or all symptoms may be present on a tree or shrub with stress. Even wilting of leaves for a prolonged time can produce damage which may not be evident until next year when the tree fails to re-leaf or dies during mid season.

Watering of trees and shrubs will reduce stress. Any lawn-watering device can be used; whirling or oscillating sprinkler. A hose running slowly is effective but must be moved frequently.

Any amount of water is beneficial during dry conditions. Thorough deep watering is best. A single application of water equal to one to two inches of rainfall per week is adequate. The amount of water applied with a sprinkler can be measured by placing cans or containers within the watered area. Measure the depth of water in each can and take the average to get the amount of water applied.

To water large trees consider the tree as the center of a plus sign (+). Place the sprinkler on one section of the plus sign, one half way between the trunk and leaf drip edge. The next day move the sprinkler to another section of the plus sign. Continue each day until all four sections are watered. If you have applied 1 to 2 inches at each setting you can wait until next week. By now it will be obvious areas that need watering. Adjust or reposition the sprinkler to fill in those areas. The following week return to the first week's setting.

Small trees, shrubs, or recently planted trees may require more watering at closer intervals. Form an earthen basin around the tree or shrub 2 inches deep. Fill this basin with water, also apply a thick layer of mulch, wood chips, bark, straw, etc. to help conserve moisture. There is no correct or standard basin size. Adjustments may be required if the tree or shrub wilts before next weeks watering. Then water more frequently or enlarge the size of the basin.

During periods of extreme heat and/or hot winds some wilting and even browning of foliage will occur. A healthy tree or shrub will recover when conditions return to "normal." Don’t give up!