As most of Europe is sizzling I'm wondering about people's opinions on irrigation, In Brittany, the region where I live, there's the reputation that it's always raining, when the last two years we have had drought during summer. This year especially there's only been 3 or 4 millimetres of rain since April. Most of the newest tree rows are completely dead, and the moisture meter readings are 2 to 3 % . It's in an area that's difficult to pump water to with any pressure and the sandy soil looses it quickly, even with the addition of compost and mulch. One interesting thing is that the Scots broom, our strongest Pioneer is almost thriving. So when I replant at the end of the season I'll use Pioneer plants and only add productive trees when I'm sure the soil is improving enough to hold moisture.