Most trees, and especially urban trees, and trees in containers, become stressed when they have a disproportionately small volume of soil for their roots. Reduced soil volume leads to soil that dries out rapidly as the root system absorbs moisture, often causing a chronic water deficit for the trees.
General signs of water stress include:
- Reduced growth
- Poor flower or fruit production
- Limp, slightly curled or scorched leaves
- Abnormal changes in leaf color