Elm and poplar trees don’t have the usual amount of leaves

Question

I live in the high desert in sunny California. I noticed my trees don’t have a lot of leaves on them this year. I quit watering because we are experiencing a severe drought. My trees are at least 8 yrs old and I figured they had well established root systems. Will it help if I do some deep watering now?

Answer 1

I would certainly agree that the dry conditions are and will effect your trees.
Lessing leaves is most certainly a sign of stress.
Here are some links for you.

https://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/Trees/caring.htm

http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8235.pdf