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There has been a severe drought in the past year throughout the Midwest and other regions. It is vital that we do not forget about our trees during this time. Trees are prone to disease and insect problems when suffering from drought damage. Dead trees can raise cooling costs due to the lack of shade and can also pose a safety risk during storms. It costs additional money to have the tree removed. It is much easier to simply water your trees every week. By imitating two inches of rainfall every week with a garden hose, soaker hose, or sprinkler, your trees can remain healthy and will save you money in the long run.

And if permitted in your state, get and use a rain barrel.
Sure helps us. We overflow into three more containers and usually collect 200 gallons in a good rain. That gets us through quite a few dry days or weeks.
Very hot in PA this July--over a dozen 90+ days. July/Aug. we did get 10" of rain and that was over normal--but wks. with no rain between the big rains.
Rain barrel sure helped.

Higgins, you're right....trees are often ignored needing water. When this happens to extreme, leaves often will be first sign that the gardener should put the hose under it and give it a good soak.
Evergreens especially will show 'moisture shock' when bottom branches begin to drop needles.
Sometimes, as in my case, I placed a blue spruce on my front lawn, then the city showed up to re-do the road and put a medium where there wasn't one before which placed the tree on an incline which put its roots close to s produced hillside which ultimately led to its roots showing. I think it may have contributed to its demise by inviting pests to attack and my decision to remove the tree last summer.

Foundation plants are often not watered enough before winter and they depend on what moisture is stored to get through winter results in brown needles showing up.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Loonie,

And another recommended way to relieve drought stress if possible, is to prune. The fewer leaves the tree, shrub or plant has to support with moisture, the less moisture it needs to up-take!