But do you need to do anything now? There are a lot of “ifs,” “ands,” and “buts.” Established trees and shrubs that have not had their roots disturbed by landscaping, trenching, or any excavation usually will not have a problem. And mature oak trees sometimes die for no obvious reason in dry seasons.

Deciduous trees may have leaves gradually turning yellow to brown and falling. In most cases that won’t be a problem. If leaves are turning brown and hanging on, that may be a problem.

Some evergreens will give very little sign of drought stress, especially the needle bearing evergreens – junipers, Leyland cypress, arbor vitae, pines, etc.

Perennials with shallow roots may be under stress.

Lawns that are not irrigated are visually showing drought stress. Whether to water depends on how important the lawn is to you. As suggested, there’s not much value in seeding now unless you can provide water on a regular basis.

Trees or shrubs planted within the last year, probably deserve the most attention. Their roots may not yet be sufficiently established to go it on their own.

Before you make any decisions, let me encourage you to get your hands in the soil in several places and feel how moist it is. Some of us got a good rain about a week ago; some of us got only a little or none.

If you determine that water should be applied, then do a good job. A long slow soaking to several inches deep will be optimal. Don’t water every day or even every week. We don’t want to interfere with the dormancy process. We just want to make sure that plants have the capacity to store reserves through the winter.

Many people want a formula for watering. I can’t give you that; there are too many variables. It takes on-the-site evaluation. Evaluate first, and then decide. If you water, do it well. Then don’t do it again.