Winter Watering is Important

 It’s important to understand that trees don’t go in to total dormancy during the winter. Underneath the past weekend’s snow fall, tree roots are actively looking for moisture and while this storm helped, it did little to hydrate the soil your trees, shrubs and perennials are growing in. 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. While more mature trees have the advantage of a larger root system to draw moisture from, newly-planted trees need to be watered during the winter to prevent damage and die-back to fine roots. For winter watering to be effective, there are key factors you need to take into account, including temperature, time of day, and sprinkler type. First, pick a day when the ambient temperature is forty degrees or higher and there is no snow on the ground. Plan to water around mid-day, to allow time for the water to soak into the ground. You can water using a soft spray attachment such as adjustable water nozzle or attach a simple sprinkler to your hose.  Don’t turn your sprinkler   system on. 

For deciduous trees, place the sprinkler under the dripline.  The dripline is that area under the outermost branches of the tree. This is where the feeder roots are located and the area where you get the best water absorption. How long you run the sprinkler or hose attachment depends on the size of the tree trunk. The general formula is ten gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, measured at knee height. A tree with a three-inch trunk needs thirty gallons of water.  For established trees, watering once a month during the winter should be sufficient to keep the roots hydrated. For newly planted trees and conifers, you should plan to water every two weeks. If you start to experience run off 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 keep the water at the root system, where it’s needed.  Shrubs and rose should receive five gallons of water per month. Winter watering your trees, shrubs and roses will help them stay hydrated and the moisture acts as an insulator and helps reduce damage from temperature variations. Once you’re done watering, be sure to disconnect the hose from the outside faucet.