Drought can have significant impacts on trees and their roots. Here are some of the ways drought can damage trees and tree roots:

1. Reduced growth: Drought can cause a reduction in tree growth, as the tree may not have enough water to support new growth.
2. Leaf drop: Trees may drop their leaves prematurely as a way to conserve water during drought conditions.
3. Root damage: When there is a lack of water in the soil, tree roots can dry out and become damaged, making it difficult for the tree to absorb water and nutrients.
4. Bark splitting: Drought can cause the bark of a tree to dry out and split, which can make the tree more susceptible to pests and diseases.
5. Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases: Drought-stressed trees may be more vulnerable to pests and diseases, as they may not have enough energy to defend themselves.
6. Death: In severe cases, drought can cause trees to die, particularly if they are already weakened by other stressors.

To help mitigate the effects of drought on trees, it is important to ensure that trees are planted in appropriate locations, with adequate soil and water resources. During drought conditions, it may be necessary to provide supplemental water to trees to help them survive. Additionally, trees can be fertilized with appropriate nutrients to help them cope with drought stress. Regular maintenance, including pruning, can also help keep trees healthy and better able to withstand drought conditions.

Trimming or pruning your trees can help alleviate the impacts of drought by reducing the amount of stress on the tree. Here are some ways trimming can help:

1. Remove dead or diseased branches: Dead or diseased branches on a tree can sap the tree’s energy and resources, which can make it more difficult for the tree to cope with drought stress. Removing these branches can help the tree conserve energy and focus on maintaining its core structure.
2. Promote healthy growth: Trimming a tree can stimulate new growth and help it allocate resources more effectively. This can help the tree cope with drought stress by allowing it to produce new foliage and root growth.
3. Reduce water usage: Trimming a tree can help reduce its water usage by reducing its overall size and number of branches. This can make it easier for the tree to obtain the water it needs from the soil.
4. Improve airflow: Trimming a tree can help improve airflow around the tree, which can reduce moisture loss and increase humidity levels. This can help the tree cope with drought stress by creating a more hospitable environment for it to grow.
5. Allow for more sunlight: Trimming a tree can allow more sunlight to reach the ground beneath the tree, which can help reduce competition for water and nutrients. This can help the tree cope with drought stress by making it easier for it to obtain the resources it needs.

In summary, trimming or pruning your trees can help them cope with drought stress by removing dead or diseased branches, promoting healthy growth, reducing water usage, improving airflow and allowing for more sunlight.