Thursday, February 1, 2024

Now's the Time to Winter Water

  

It’s important to understand that trees don’t go into total dormancy during the winter. Even though they appear to be dormant, their roots are actively looking for moisture. You may not see the damage right away, but trees that don’t receive supplemental watering during the winter may experience smaller leaf production, branch dieback and chlorosis through spring and summer. This is especially true of trees planted this past season that haven’t had time to establish.  

  


Even if you watered thoroughly late last fall, it's still important to water periodically through the winter, to supplement any natural moisture that may occur.  

 


 

Evergreens are at risk during the winter because they retain their needles. Winter winds can compound the problem by pulling water from the needles, causing them to brown.  

  

Plan to water your deciduous trees and evergreens once a month between now and March. The best time to water is during the warmest part of the day when the temperature is above 40°F.  

  


A long screwdriver will help you check the dryness of your soil. If it doesn’t go down easily, the soil is dry and needs water. Check the soil around your deciduous trees, shrubs, roses and evergreens.  

  

Water during the day when temperatures are above 40 degrees to allow the water to soak in before freezing night temperatures. Do not water if the soil is frozen or if snow is present.  

  


Frog eye sprinklers, soil needles or hoses with a soft spray attachment can be used to water trees in the winter. Do not turn on your irrigation system to water your trees.  

  


How much water your tree should receive depends upon the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. Measure the trunk diameter at knee height.  A 3-inch diameter tree should receive 30 gallons of water.

  


The most effective area to water for deciduous trees is at the dripline. The dripline is located under the outer circumference of the tree branches. This will help ensure water absorption will be optimized. The goal is to water slowly and deeply. Plan to move the sprinkler or water needle every 10 to 15 minutes until you’ve covered the entire dripline.  If you’re using a soil needle, insert the needle no deeper than 8 inches.  

  


If you start to experience runoff while you’re watering, turn the water off and let it soak in before you resume watering. This soak and cycle method will help reduce waste from runoff and the water at the root system, where it's needed.  

  


For evergreens, water about 3 feet beyond the dripline on all sides of the tree.  

  


  

Small shrubs and roses should receive 5 gallons of water per month. Shrubs taller than 3 feet should receive 15 gallons of water per month.  

  

Winter watering your trees, shrubs and roses will help them stay hydrated and moisture acts as an insulator, reducing damage from temperature variations.  

  


Once you’re done watering, be sure to disconnect the hose from the faucet.  

 

 

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