A tall, cool one: Your trees are ready for a drink

Your trees could use a long, cool drink.

"Just because it rains doesn't means your trees have enoughwater," said Patricia Cassady of the Illinois Landscape ContractorsAssociation.

Here are a few suggestions, from the Lombard-based group: Check soil moisture near your trees. If a screwdriver cannot beplunged 4 inches into the ground, it is time to water. Do not place the hose near the base of the trunk. Instead, placethe hose on the ground near the outermost edge of the branches, wherethe root tips are. Soak the ground around the trees with a slow trickle. Small trees- 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch in diameter - should be watered for 30 to 45minutes. Matures trees …