Beneath the Canopy

Tree Watering Tips & How We Can Help Your Trees Survive Drought 

Your trees, shrubs, and plants depend on a steady supply of water in the soil—but nature makes this challenging. Gravity pulls water down through the soil, and evaporation draws it upward into the air, leaving roots dry sooner than you might expect. During drought, roots slow or stop growing, making plants more vulnerable. Overwatering to compensate can create its own problems, such as fungus and root rot.

The key is to keep moisture available in the root zone for as long as possible. This balance of water, air, nutrients, and beneficial soil microbes is essential for healthy growth. 

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Start With the Soil‍

Healthy trees start with healthy soil. North Texas is known for clay-heavy, compacted soils that don’t drain well and can make water absorption difficult. That means you may need to water less frequently but more deeply to be effective.

Here’s what to look for:

- Moisture Depth: A proper watering should moisten the soil 8–12 inches below the surface every time you water, where most of a tree’s roots are. If you’re only wetting the top inch or two, you’re encouraging shallow roots and drought vulnerability. You can also consider purchasing an affordable soil moisture meter ($15-$20) to monitor and ensure that your trees are getting enough water.

- Slow and Steady Wins: Use a hose on a low trickle over a longer period of time to give the soil time to absorb water without runoff.

- Water the Right Zone: Focus on the area beneath the tree's outer canopy- what we call the "drip line." This is where the absorbing roots live, not right under the trunk.

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Know Your Tree’s Needs

Different species- and different ages- have different watering needs.

- Young Trees (0-3 years) need consistent moisture to establish strong root systems. Water deeply once a week depending on weather conditions.

- Mature Trees are more drought tolerant but still need help during extended dry periods. A deep soak very 2-4 weeks may be sufficient.

- Evergreens lost moisture year-round and often show stress more slowly, so keep an eye on them, even in cooler months

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Mulch!

Mulch is your tree’s best friend in the summer. A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch, like our Forest Floor Mix, can regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and feed the soil biology your trees depend on.

Just remember:

- Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pests.

- Replenish mulch at least once a year, especially before peak summer heat.

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Watch for Signs of Stress

Trees communicate through their canopy. If you're seeing:

- Wilting, curling, or scorched leaves

- Early leaf drop or yellowing

- Sparse canopy growth

…it may be a sign your tree needs more water—or that water isn’t reaching the roots effectively due to compacted soil or root issues. That’s where we come in.

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How We Can Help!

A single dry summer doesn't usually kill a tree outright-but the damage adds up. Trees weakened by drought are more vulnerable to pests, disease, and structural failure in the years that follow. That’s why summer watering isn’t just about surviving the heat—it’s about building resilience.

Treehugger offers a range of below-ground services to boost your tree’s drought tolerance:

- Soil Decompaction to increase oxygen and water penetration

- Deep Root Watering & Fertilization to deliver hydrtion and nutrients where they're needed most.

- Growth Regulators to reduce stress and redirect energy to the root system

- NEW- Our Management Services use technology that forms a thin, persistent film on root surfaces, helping them capture water vapor and turn it back into usable droplets. This process works continuously and moves the roots as they grow, extending the time between waterings while keeping plants hydrated and healthy

We believe the best tree care is proactive, not reactive. If you're unsure how to best support your trees this summer, we’re here to help. Whether it’s an inspection and consultation by our ISA-certified arborists or a soil treatment, we’ll make sure your trees get what they need to weather the harsh Texas summers.

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