Hello Sandy,

Unless it was flat to the ground I dont think it would have been damaged. Evergreens are difficult to spot when they are short of water (until the leaves dropp off!) These shrubs are very robust so pile in the water and it should recover. Remember that winter is gebnerally a dry time and the plant may be growing of a trench of 'back fill' of rubble into the foundation trench of the house so it might be very free draining.

Try adding a three inch layer of garden compost 'mulch' around the base of the plant. The worms will take it in so you dont need to dig. It will stop a lot of evaporation and over the years will build up the amount of fibre in the soil aiding water retention.