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Water around a tree's drip line.

When there is little rain or signs of water stress (e. g. , wilting, change in leaf colour, small leaves, etc. ), we must water our trees and shrubs. Here are some tips.

• Soak the total area around the tree/shrub to help it develop a healthy root system. Water around the tree's drip line (an imaginary line extending from the outermost branch tips straight down to the ground), rather than just around the trunk.

• Slow saturation of the area is best.

• During drought conditions, the soil may first repel the water. Water lightly several times on the first day until the soil will accept the water. Then saturate the total area, applying sufficient water so that the soil is quite moist to a depth of at least 30 cm (12 in). The roots responsible for gathering nutrients are located in the top 30-40 cm (12-16 in) of soil.

• Don't create a constantly soggy condition because tree roots require oxygen to live. Instead of watering often, water generously in one application. Once saturated, let the area dry for at least a week before watering again.

• Newly planted trees should be watered once a week during a drought and half as often during normal conditions. Organic wood mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist.

• The best time to water a tree is early morning or evening.