Trees/plants prefer room temperature/tepid water. Plants rehydrate faster with warmer water than cold water but as a general rule, avoid very hot or very cold water.
1. I've never contacted a tree, but I've heard of ways it can be done without a spell. Pendulums are the easiest, but you can also place your hand on its trunk and wait until you hear a response (this works best if you're experienced in spirit work and communicating without tools).
2. As long as it's still mostly straight, slight curves or bends shouldn't affect it's use as a wand is mostly used as an energy conduit and I don't think minor bends would hurt.
3. Water is fine, but as previously mentioned, room temperature water might be better because trees do not usually have access to super cold water and therefore colder water would be less comfortable for it. I wouldn't worry about angering the trees too much, as it's mostly the thought that counts. Anything safe for the tree and that won't kill it is fine, I think, but make sure you research thoroughly about offerings.
I recommend checking out this site, I’ve found it very helpful in the past: https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/all-about-wand-woods-magick-and-meaning-from-alder-to-zebrawood
This seems to fall a bit more into the ritual/divination realm.
I did similar tree work when I was younger and very drawn to trees. Personally I would ground and meditate, working to connect with the energy of the earth then the tree. You could then pose your questions and observe either changes in the energy or changes in the sound of the wind thru the leaves, or movements of the leaves/branches. It might take a couple of tries before you feel comfortable with this, which is fine.
I like the idea of a pendulum because you have a more concrete way of observing responses. From my understanding (and that might not be everyone's experience), pendulums respond to subtle, subconscious movements you make, so it's a good way to channel and interpret something that may otherwise be more ambiguous.
The trees that I have had a close connection with have had a very benign energy, so I would imagine it's unlikely that anything bad would happen if you gave it cold water. However, to maximize benefit I agree with room temp/tepid water, maybe moon water if you are asking a significant question that may be difficult to answer. Your tradition may have different beliefs about spirits/energy of trees tho, in which case you should obviously act accordingly.
I like the post regarding different types of trees. If you have a specific question it might be helpful to choose a tree more oriented to that energy (ie apple trees for love/romance questions).
As always, this is based on personal experience so whatever is consistent with your practice is going to be the main thing; it's just an example of one way to approach things.
Don’t know if this will help you, but I was learning from Apache scouts when I tried to link with trees. I felt nothing, and I asked the teacher and he said, “Your expecting too much, trees have all the time in the world. Win them over with patience.”
1. Be patient! Sitting beside the tree with your palm on the trunk is a good way to receive small vibrations from the tree which can help to answer your questions. This should be done after you give your offering. Some trees are more stubborn than others and you may have to repeat this process including the offering for a few, maybe three, days in a row.
2. Definitely! I want is simply a tool to channel energy as long as the tool isn’t completely deformed you’re fine!
3. I agree with the room temperature water as an offering. In addition I would take into account what type of tree you’re dealing with and what element(s) it’s ruled by. for instance, if you’re dealing with a tree ruled by the elements fire it’s more likely to be stubborn as mentioned above and more receptive to offerings of ashes or blood.
1. Be patient! Sitting beside the tree with your palm on the trunk is a good way to receive small vibrations from the tree which can help to answer your questions. This should be done after you give your offering. Some trees are more stubborn than others and you may have to repeat this process including the offering for a few, maybe three, days in a row.
2. Definitely! I want is simply a tool to channel energy as long as the tool isn’t completely deformed you’re fine!
3. I agree with the room temperature water as an offering. In addition I would take into account what type of tree you’re dealing with and what element(s) it’s ruled by. for instance, if you’re dealing with a tree ruled by the elements fire it’s more likely to be stubborn as mentioned above and more receptive to offerings of ashes or blood.
1. "question a tree" I'm a little confused. If you wish to connect with the spirit, introduce yourself and meditate under the tree. Take time regularly to spend time by the tree and just be observant. This isn't an instant process, it could day a few minutes [if you're use to connecting with spirits/energy] but you'll probably need to do this consistently for a few weeks, possibly a month.
2. Yes. If you got a branch that's twisted, it's fine. The key is you're connected to it [if your wand snapped, you should probably make a new one]
3. I wouldn't use cold water. If you have filtered water, pour that into a dish and let it get to room temperature. You can also give plant food, colourful ribbons, plant some flowers by the tree, hang a bird feeder, or if you've gotten good at hearing the spirit, ask it directly what it would like.
