Q&A on gardening.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Q. My river birch tree is very stressed from the drought; I would say about 70.percent of the leaves have turned brown or have fallen off. We have put a hose on it several times a week for about an hour or so in order to water it thoroughly. Should we continue the watering or let the tree go dormant and hope for the best? The tree has been in the ground about one year, if that makes any difference.

A. Sure does make a difference. A tree takes at least two, and probably more, years to re-establish itself after transplanting. Re-establishment means it grew sufficient roots to support the trunk and canopy. The amount of water you put on the tree would likely be enough to …