Q: We planted an oak tree several years ago and now it is turning brown what is wrong, it should have grown enough deep roots by now to be alright what can we do for it?
A: It can take a tree any where from 3 to 5 years or more to grown enough roots to be self supporting and thats in a good year. Depending on the soil where you are and how big the tree was when you planted it and any number of other possibilities. It is still my recommendation to water more. Your problems are most likely due to being dry. Do not depend on automatic sprinklers or standing by the tree and watering by hand. You need a dedicated bubbler hear on your irrigation system to water trees or use a stationary sprinkler to water slowly. Unless the water stands around the tree for days after you water or the ground becomes soggy and stays that way for days after you water then you are not over watering. Water at least twice a week or more if you have thin soil or lots of rock in your area.