Elaine ...
Thank you for the suggestions.
I only have 400 sq ft of lawn. I have been gradually taking it out, but I wouldn't mind losing all of it. No, I haven't mulched the trees simply because I cannot purchase mulch up here. It's a great idea. I have been going to the utility company's chipping pile to get wood chips for the rest of the gardens. I can get some for the trees. Just more hauling, but I think it will be worth the effort.
Mrs. J imported clay soil for the front of the house and it is wonderfully moisture retentive. I had deep watered the maple a couple of days ago and I had to dig around the base of tree today to set a gopher trap. The soil was still almost muddy. The tree is pulling water up and looks a whole lot better than when I first started this thread.
No, I haven't topped it. I think it must be 25' tall. The fir on the slope is even taller. I've branched the dogwood and took out a couple of shrubs Mrs. J had planted near it to reduce water competition. It too, is looking better.
I have placed soaker hoses under all of three of these trees and turn them on just before dark and then turn them off when I get up. There is no run off, so I know all of the water is getting to the trees unless it is getting sucked down by the dry-soil dynamic I've written about above.
I really do appreciate the suggestions. I've been running out of ideas.
If we do have another dry winter, I am definitely going to water the trees, too.
Smiles,
Lyn
