Question
Jim:
I had 3 Dogwoods planted in the spring, but  they always appear to be starved for water. I water every week or two, but if I miss a watering the leaves start to wilt and they appear to be moribund.
I watered them thoroughly again today. In a day or two the leaves will perk up and they will show some life. In a couple of weeks they will start to wilt again.
What can I do to insure their survival.
I was planning to drive several 1 inch holes about a foot deep,around the trees, and fill them with mulch or sand to allow water to get to the roots.
Do you agree that is a possible solution.
I welcome your input.
Many thanks.
Nick M.

Answer
Trees need what is called deep watering and about 1 inch of water each week more often during dry weather periods. Place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Normally this is done weekly if it does not rain but during dry weather I would water every third day or so with this method. If you have not done it mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of mulch and this will help hold the moisture around the root system.