Avoid overwatering
Overwatering established landscape plants is more common than underwatering. While newly planted ornamental plants require frequent light irrigations due to small compact root systems, established plants should not be watered everyday. They do much better with deep and infrequent irrigation.
Know how much water to apply and when to apply it
Become familiar with the water needs of plants growing in your climate and micro-climate. A straightforward approach to help you apply the right amount of water to your landscape when it is most needed is to use the "feel test". Get your hands dirty! Dig a small hole 6 to 12 inches deep. Grab a handful of the removed soil and squeeze. Soil that falls apart easily is a little too dry and should be irrigated. If a lot of water oozes out, wait a few days before you water.
Mulch
Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch on the top of soil around your landscape plants.Mulch reduces soil evaporation, controls weeds, reduces erosion, buffers soil temperature, and reduces compaction. It is important to recognize that organic mulches decompose over time and need to be supplemented regularly to remain effective.