Colorado homeowners should water trees at the drip line instead of the trunk to ensure survival during the state's ongoing drought [1, 2, 3].

Proper irrigation is critical because extended drought stress weakens trees, making them more susceptible to death and pest infestations [2, 4]. While some rain and snow occurred this week, experts said this provides only temporary relief before the peak of the summer growing season [2, 3].

Patrick O'Meara, a representative of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, said that homeowners often focus their watering efforts in the wrong area. He said that the drip line — the outer edge of the root zone — is where the tree can most effectively absorb moisture [1, 2].

"Folks should water further out on the root system instead of focusing on the trunk," O'Meara said [1].

Concentrating water at the base of the trunk does not reach the active root system efficiently. By targeting the drip line, homeowners help the tree retain the moisture necessary to withstand dry spells [1, 2]. This practice is particularly important for residential areas across the state, including the Front Range [2, 4].

O'Meara said to "water the drip line, not the trunk, to give trees the moisture they need during drought" [2].

Landscape experts said that these adjustments in watering habits are essential for maintaining the urban canopy. Without targeted irrigation, the cumulative stress of the drought may lead to permanent damage or death for many residential tree species [2, 4].

“"Folks should water further out on the root system instead of focusing on the trunk."”

This guidance highlights a common misconception in residential landscaping where homeowners mistake the trunk for the primary intake point. By shifting watering to the drip line, residents can maximize water efficiency during a period of scarcity, reducing the likelihood of mass tree loss and the subsequent increase in pest populations that target stressed vegetation.