07/22/2026
🌞 The heat is returning. Water your plants! 💦 🪴 🌼
Just because your trees and shrubs are “mature” doesn’t mean they aren’t thirsty. We’ve had very little moisture these past few months, and as I drive around town, I’m noticing way too many healthy-looking mature trees showing signs of dieback and drought damage—like thinning canopies, scorched or curling leaves, early leaf drop, or branch tip die-off. mortonarb.org
Mature trees and shrubs still need support during extended dry periods. Even established plants can struggle without supplemental water. Here’s how to help them:
• Deep and infrequent watering is best. Soak the soil thoroughly to 6–12 inches (or deeper) to encourage strong, drought-tolerant roots. Avoid light, frequent sprinkling, which promotes shallow roots. extension.umd.edu
• Check soil moisture first. Use a trowel, shovel, or screwdriver to check 6 inches down (or 4–6 inches in some guidelines) under the canopy. If it feels dry, water; if cool and moist, hold off. extension.colostate.edu
• Where & how much? Focus on the drip line (outer edge of the branches) and beyond, where feeder roots are concentrated—not right at the trunk. Aim for about 1 inch of water (or roughly 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter) every 1–2 weeks during drought, adjusting for soil type and heat. extension.colostate.edu nfs.unl.edu
• Pro tips: Water slowly (soaker hoses or drip systems work great) early in the morning or when temps are cooler to minimize evaporation. Add 2–4 inches of mulch (kept away from the trunk) to retain moisture. mortonarb.org
Your mature trees and shrubs are long-term investments — a little extra care now prevents bigger issues later. Let’s keep our landscapes thriving through this heat! 💧🌳
Who else is watering this week? Share a tip or photo!