- The Right Watering Techniques<\/a><\/li>
- Proper Mulching<\/a><\/li>
- Smart Pruning<\/a><\/li>
- No Fertilizers<\/a><\/li>
- Soil Management<\/a><\/li>
- When to Call a Professional vs. DIY Treatment<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Keith O\u2019Herrin, urban forester at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, says homeowners\u2019 biggest mistake during a drought is giving up too soon on their trees. <\/p>
\u201cIn Texas, I saw two 200-plus-year-old bald cypress [trees] brown out and drop their leaves during an extreme drought. Many people immediately jumped to remove those trees, assuming the drought had killed them. But the trees weren\u2019t removed and leafed out well the next spring.\u201d<\/p>
Watering your trees is more effective than you might think.<\/p>
The Right Watering Techniques<\/h2>
![\"Watering](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/tree-watering-tips-v2-1-646x363.png\")
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> We all love low-maintenance trees, but drought can change your tree\u2019s needs. Water is the most important factor for tree survival and growth, so don\u2019t ignore the signs of drought stress in trees<\/a>. As soon as you notice leaves wilting or scorched leaf edges, start watering your trees.<\/strong><\/p>
Note: <\/strong>If the signs show severe drought damage, like peeled-off bark or fungal infections<\/a>, call a tree care expert<\/a>. <\/p>
Here\u2019s how to water your trees<\/a> during a drought:<\/p>
- Focus on the critical root zone: <\/strong>Water young and newly planted trees directly over the root ball (the planting area). <\/strong>For mature trees, water the soil beneath the canopy focusing on the outer half of the canopy and the drip line, where most of the feeder roots grow.<\/li>
- Deep, infrequent watering:<\/strong> Water young and newly planted trees 1-3 times a week and mature trees every 1-2 weeks. Ensure 1-2 inches of water per week <\/strong>and aim to moisten (not saturate) the soil 12 to 18 inches deep. <\/li>
- Water in the evening or early morning:<\/strong> According to professor Kim Coder at the University of Georgia, the best time to water trees is between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. when trees refill their water reserves. <\/li>
- Use a soaker hose or a <\/strong>drip irrigation system<\/a>:<\/strong> Apply the water on the soil, not on the trunk or foliage to limit fungal diseases. <\/li>
- Apply water slowly. <\/strong>Utah State University recommends using emitters with a flow rate of 1 to 8 gallons per hour.<\/li>
- Avoid overwatering:<\/strong> Allow the soil to dry between irrigations.<\/li> <\/ul>
Random rain showers feel like heaven during heat and drought, but can be misleading. Did it rain enough to skip an irrigation? You can\u2019t really know unless you test the soil moisture<\/a>. <\/p>
Push a screwdriver or moisture meter into the ground below the tree\u2019s canopy \u2014 the distance it penetrates without resistance shows how deep the moisture has soaked in. If it\u2019s at least 6 inches, you can postpone watering a few days.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>How Much Does Drip Irrigation Cost?<\/a><\/p>
Follow Local Watering Restrictions <\/h3>
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/watering-tree.jpeg?wsr\")
Photo credit: Kzenon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> If there\u2019s a watering ban, check with the local authorities to see whether tree irrigation is still allowed. Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are usually permitted even during watering restrictions.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> In areas with frequent water restrictions, you can prevent drought damage by considering drought-tolerant landscaping ideas<\/a> with water-wise grasses<\/a> and drought-resistant trees<\/a>. <\/p>
See Related: <\/strong><\/p>
- What is Drought-Tolerant Landscaping?<\/a><\/li>
- Best Drought-Tolerant Shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Best Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Proper Mulching<\/h2>
![\"Tree](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/mulch-tree.jpeg?wsr\")
Photo credit: Felipe Sanchez<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Mulch can save your tree’s life during a drought by conserving water. In fact, studies show that covering the soil with a 2-inch-thick mulch reduces water evaporation by up to 40%, leading to more drought-tolerant trees and a lower water bill<\/a>.<\/p>
Plus, mulch protects shallow roots from overheating, limits weed growth, and, according to O\u2019Harrin, is better than planting turfgrass, \u201ca fierce competitor for nutrients and moisture in the soil.\u201d<\/p>
Here\u2019s how to mulch correctly around your trees<\/a>:<\/p>
- Choose <\/strong>organic mulch<\/a> such as tree bark, wood chips, and straw<\/strong>. Don\u2019t use gravel or stones; this type of mulch<\/a> heats up when exposed to direct sunlight.<\/li>
- Apply a layer 2 to 4 inches thick.<\/strong> It limits evaporation without blocking rain.<\/li>
- Keep mulch off the tree trunk: <\/strong>Spread the mulch across the root zone, but keep it 3-6 inches away from the trunk to prevent fungal infections and decay.<\/li>
- Reapply and fluff up:<\/strong> Reapply mulch when the layer thins out. Fluff it up with a rake from time to time to prevent it from matting down and repelling water.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>O\u2019Harrin says to water the mulch after spreading it since it\u2019s often dry. Otherwise, \u201cthe first few rainfalls will be absorbed by the mulch, robbing the tree of that moisture and unintentionally manufacturing a drought experience for your tree,\u201d he says.<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Choose the Right Mulch Color for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Smart Pruning<\/h2>
![\"pruning](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rsz_pruning-shears-g958c0af0a_1280.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Pruning trees removes part of their food reserves, weakens their immune system, and increases the risk of diseases and pests. If your trees are already stressed by drought, only prune IF absolutely necessary, and take extra precautions while cutting: <\/p>
- Only remove dead, diseased, or pest-infested branches.<\/strong><\/li>
- Sterilize tools between cuts<\/strong> to prevent spreading diseases.<\/li>
- Make proper cuts <\/strong>or call a tree care professional to prune the tree if you don\u2019t have experience.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t use pruning paints<\/a> or wound dressings<\/strong>. They slow down the healing process.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Sterilize tools between cuts<\/strong> to prevent spreading diseases.<\/li>
- How to Choose the Right Mulch Color for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Apply a layer 2 to 4 inches thick.<\/strong> It limits evaporation without blocking rain.<\/li>
- Best Drought-Tolerant Shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Deep, infrequent watering:<\/strong> Water young and newly planted trees 1-3 times a week and mature trees every 1-2 weeks. Ensure 1-2 inches of water per week <\/strong>and aim to moisten (not saturate) the soil 12 to 18 inches deep. <\/li>
- Proper Mulching<\/a><\/li>