Q: We have a huge oak tree that we dearly love. We are very worried about our tree during this drought. Can you advise how to water?
A: We’re in a situation where “survival watering” is your best bet. Apply 2 gallons of water for every inch of trunk diameter (thickness), measured at 4.5 feet above the ground, for each day between waterings. Example: a 10-inch diameter tree watered 7 days ago would need 140 gallons of water (2 x 10 x 7 = 140). A typical garden sprinkler delivers 5 gallons of water per minute, so our example tree would require 28 minutes to irrigate (140 / 5 = 28). Distribute the water evenly under, and slightly beyond, the tree’s branches.