Video: UNL Extension's John Fech shows three tools homeowners can use to water trees, shrubs and plants

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Some trees are beginning to act as if it's fall. And given the heat and the drought, can you blame them?

Leaves are turning color early, curling and wilting - and, in some cases, falling off.

"The leaves are turning brown and already are in pretty serious distress," said homeowner Christine Kaldahl after watering trees in her southwest Omaha backyard last week.

But, she added: "I haven't panicked."

Homeowners may not be panicking, but they clearly want advice on how to help trees and shrubs weather the drought. County extension agents and commercial tree services are getting more calls than usual about tree care. University Extensions in Nebraska and Iowa are posting drought resources on their websites. One tree company had so many calls from concerned customers that it started sending them fliers with drought management guidelines.