Blog

Written by: Tara Tavoularis

As drought conditions become more common, one of the most critical steps homeowners and communities can take is to properly water their trees. Trees, especially those lining our streets, are among the most vulnerable and important plants during dry periods. Unlike grass, which can go dormant and recover, trees can experience long-term damage or even die if their roots don’t get adequate water. Trees must be watered slowly and deeply to ensure moisture reaches the full depth of their root zones.

Proper watering techniques include using a soaker hose placed a couple of feet from the trunk or allowing a hose to trickle slowly in sections around the tree. This ensures water seeps down rather than running off the surface and helps spread your watering over several zones under the tree’s canopy to target the active root areas. Mulching with wood chips or shredded leaves also helps retain moisture, but it’s important to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. Avoid relying on overhead sprinklers, which mostly benefit grass and not the deeper roots of trees.

At the same time, homeowners can reduce the strain on water resources by incorporating drought-tolerant native plants in their gardens. Native species are naturally better equipped to survive dry spells thanks to their deep roots and low water need. While they still require some supplemental watering, especially during establishment, they tend to bounce back much faster and are better suited to withstand climate stress.

Ultimately, while grass can go dormant, trees need your help to survive and thrive through drought. Smart watering and native planting not only save trees and water resources, it also supports healthier, more climate resilient landscapes. Whether you’re caring for a street tree or nurturing a native garden, a little attention now can make a huge difference later.

Reference List & Additional Reading 

Watering Trees Fact Sheet - Rainbow Tree Care
Watering Trees During Drought - Texas A&M Forest Service
Tree Responses to Drought - M.G. Ryan 

The Power of Native Plants in Water Conservation