Trees need water too
5 days without rain is considered a drought for a tree. A soaker hose at the drip line running for 6 – 18 hours is recommended to ensure deep-root watering. This also allows any rain to penetrate the soil, instead of running off.
The more mulch the better
The larger area you mulch around your tree, the better.This will stop evaporation and also prevents your lawnmower and trimmer from damaging the trunk of the tree. 3 – 6″ in depth is recommended.
Keep the root flare exposed
Never pile dirt above the root flare of your tree. Although this may look nice, it smothers the tree, resulting in poor health/early death.