Jonas Gold Apple tree leaves dropping and fruit not growing.

Yes it is porous...

May it help to get a hose pipe on the roots and give it a good soaking for an hour? ( no water meter here)

 

The problem with 'porous' membranes/ground coverings is that rainwater will not penetrate at the same rate as open ground, so anything other than light, continous rain can either (with level ground) surcharge to one side, or if laid on a slope will cause the rainwater to be shed down the slope before it gets a chance to pass through into the ground beneath.

Putting a hose pipe on it is a good idea, and watch how much of the water passes through, and how much runs off. It may be too late to save this tree, but might help with maintaining a replacement, should that be required.

 

Have given it a good soaking and also cut the ends of a squash bottle and buried that by the tree which may help water get to the roots....will have to give it time and see if it improves...
Thanks all for help so far

 

I use upturned 2L PET drinks bottles with the bottoms cut off, with the spout stuffed into gaps through the membrane I'm planting through, then pour water through the top open end.