Water should be applied where the plant's feeder roots are actively growing. These are the young tips at the outer edges of the root system that are actively taking up water and nutrients. They are found at the outer edges of the plant's dripline, which is an imaginery line drawn
from the canopy edge to the ground, where water would "drip" off the plant if it rained. Applying water near the trunk of a mature tree is a waste of time and water, because the root system isn't absorbing it there.
How Deep?
Remember the "1-2-3 Rule." Small plants such as annuals, perennials and succulents have root systems that grow about 1 foot deep, so water needs to penetrate 1 foot. For shrubs, water to a depth of 2 feet. For trees, to 3 feet.
How Often?
The best way to determine this is to water to the correct depth, and then use a soil probe to determine when the soil is drying out. Use a pointed piece of metal and poke it into the soil. It will move fairly easily through moist soil and stop when it hits hard, dry soil. Always water to the same depth, but increase the frequency during hot summer months.
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