Our trees should be watered under the tree along the drip line. The rootlets that absorb    water are out at the tips of the roots, rather than close to the trunk – except for young trees, where the roots have not yet spread out. Watering your lawn will not replace the need to deeply water your trees.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation says a young tree that is frequently deep-watered will establish a root system that is more drought-tolerant when it is older. Young trees less than 3 years old should be watered 2-3 times per week with 5 gallons per watering during the summer months. You can do this by setting your hose or a soaker hose on a slow trickle near the base of the tree for about 2 hours, or place a bucket or plastic jug with a small hole (1/8”) drilled near the bottom.

Mature, established trees should be infrequently deep watered, with a slow thorough soak, to keep their roots deep and healthy. Mature trees should be watered no more than 1-2 times per month, saturating the area within the drip line.  You can use a soaker hose spiraled throughout the root zone, drip emitters, or an oscillating sprinkler on a low setting and moved to various areas within the root zone. Allow the water to soak into the soil for several hours. 

Here are some water wise tips for mature trees.​

http://bewatersmart.info/how-to-water-your-mature-trees/

Ivy is not good for trees – why you should remove it and how to do it
It may look pretty, but think about it – the ivy and the tree are relying on the same sources of water and nutrients. As the ivy grows into the tree’s canopy, it is also competing for light. Ivy also harms the tree’s bark. The bottom line – don’t rip the ivy off the tree. Cut ivy at its roots, and dig out the roots, and let it die naturally.

Here is more information on why you should remove ivy and how to do it from the

Davey Tree Experts:
http://blog.davey.com/2017/06/why-you-should-be-removing-ivy-from-trees-and-how-to-do-it/

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