Sprinklers should not be used to water trees and shrubs. For shrubs, water should be applied at the plant base and under the branches until the soil is moist six to eight inches deep. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses apply water slowly, reducing runoff. Small trees can be watered with a hose running at the base of the tree until the ground is saturated. Larger trees can be watered by letting the hose run at various points around the tree s drip line, the imaginary line outlining the extension of the tree's branches.
Trees require watering every three to four weeks during a drought.
Mulches not only keep moisture in the soil, they also help with weed control, maintenance of even soil temperatures and erosion control. They also improve the look of the garden. Organic mulches include shredded newspapers, shredded wood and wood chips. Homeowners should be careful to prevent mulch from touching the plant stem or trunk. Windscreens help reduce moisture loss by slowing air movement around plants.