While planting during drought conditions makes success more difficult due to high evaporation and limited root growth, it is possible to establish new lawns and plant trees/shrubs if done properly. The article provides a three-week plan for establishing sod or Bermuda grass seed with daily watering amounts decreasing each week to develop a deeper root system. When planting trees or shrubs, the hole should be dug wider than the root ball and filled with native soil, pressed firmly and soaked to eliminate air pockets before mulching. New plants will need regular watering of at least 5 gallons when the soil is dry to help roots become established during their first summer.