Drought stressed trees may be losing leaves or twigs; Lawn sprinklers don’t count as watering trees

Mature trees provide shade and relief from the heat on a hot summer day, but those trees may need some relief themselves.

Art Smith with East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center says drought stressed trees usually end up losing leaves.

Smith says how to water and how much to water your trees varies, but they all have a critical zone to pay attention to.

Smith says a layer of mulch underneath trees and shrubs is always a good idea.

Smith says running your lawn sprinkler does NOT count toward watering your trees. He also says don’t try to “help” the trees by fertilizing right now– you may do more harm than good.