Rescuing Drought-Stressed Lilac in NE Ohio

3-year-old lilac in NE Ohio: rolled green/brown leaves with red edges. Extreme heat (90s), no rain. Watering but maybe wrong amount.

Diagnosis

Severe drought. Little-and-often watering fails. Lilac not pest-infested.

Emergency Treatment

1. Hose at base, run ≥1 HOUR for deep soak.
2. Apply 2–3″ mulch 2 ft out to cut evaporation.
3. Then water ~weekly to maintain.

May lose some leaves but won't die. Deep soak + mulch = survival.