Maple Trees Require Moisture

• 1). Soak the tree. Place a garden hose at the base of the tree and barely turn it on. Allow the water to slowly saturate the base of the tree. Keep the water volume at its lowest setting to prevent the water pressure from washing away soil.
  
  
• 2). Rely on Mother Nature. Once established, Maple trees are highly drought-resistant and will survive solely on the moisture that occurs naturally. Dew, rain and snow provide adequate moisture, except in the most severe drought conditions.
  
  
• 3). Supplement the soil with organic manure tea. Fill a 5-gallon bucket one-third full of either fresh or aged manure. Fill the bucket with water and cover. Allow to age for 10 days, then pour the mixture around the base of the tree.
  
  
• 4). Conserve water. Cover the base of the tree with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch. Straw, aged untreated sawdust, torn cardboard strips, pine needles or corn husks may be used. This will help the soil retain moisture and control weeds. Top dress the mulch with a 1- to 2-inch layer of decorative gravel, pine bark or untreated wood chips.