Fall and Winter Watering
A heavy, late fall watering is one of the best things you can do for your landscape plants. This should be done before freezing temperatures set in. Freezing temperatures in dry soil can cause desiccation (drying) of plant tissues. Plants can even heave out of the ground when newly planted. A generous 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the ground is also very beneficial to plants, because it insulates the soil.
Frequency of Winter Watering
We suggest going out to water landscape plants and trees, if we have no precipitation for three consecutive weeks. They should be watered during the months of November, December, January, February, March and April. You should water once each month that does not have snow cover.
Timing of Winter Watering
When you go out to water in the winter, you should choose a day that is above 40 degrees with very little to no snow cover.
Water Application Area and Quantity
Trees and shrubs need the greatest amount of moisture at their drip line. This is the area which encircles the ground directly below the outer edges of their branches. Be sure to pour the water in slowly, so it does not run off.
Trees should receive 10 gallons of water for every 1" of trunk diameter. Shrubs should receive 3–10 gallons depending on the size of the plant. Evergreens are the most prone to winter damage and browning, because they are always losing moisture through their needles. When this moisture is not replaced, they will turn brown.
