Oregon Department of Forestry’s Post

People and pets aren't the only ones who can dehydrate in a heat wave. Soil around trees, shrubs and other garden plants can quickly dry out when temperatures soar. Don't wait for leaves to curl and brown before watering - the damage is already done then. Prevent that by deeply soaking soil around trees in advance of a heat wave. Watering in early morning or later at night reduces evaporation and ensures more of the water you provide soaks into the soil. Trees planted less than five years ago are most vulnerable to drying out because of their small root zones. But in dry summers even older trees, especially those native to summer-rainfall regions, benefit from a monthly or twice-a-month deep soaking. This can reduce drought stress and encourage better growth.

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