Extended periods of dry weather in the winter without irrigation can mean trouble in the spring. Though your trees are dormant in the winter, they still rely on you for care. Dry, cold, harsh winter conditions can put your trees under stress, which can showcase itself far beyond the winter season. If roots remain dry over an extended period, they could suffer an untimely demise, dying in the summer following their spring bloom. Keep reading, we have some winter tree watering tips that could will keep your tree investment safe
Winter Irrigation is Essential
Water insulates your trees and the surrounding soil in the winter, keeping the area moist and warm. Tree cells that are lush with water are also less susceptible to winter weather damage.
How to Water Your Trees in the Winter
- Water trees on a schedule in the winter.
Water regularly through autumn until the ground freezes. Dormant trees don’t need watering as often; however, they should be watered once or twice per month when there is no snow or rain. - Water slow and deep.
Irrigating with a soaker hose is best. Apply water to the far edges of trees roots. (Root spread is typically equal to the height of established trees.) Avoid spraying water on the foliage on evergreens. - Avoid watering in frigid temperatures.
Do not water your trees in temperatures below 40F, or if there is snow or ice on the ground. It is best to irrigate early in the day to allow trees time to absorb water before temperatures plummet at night. - Monitor winter weather conditions.
Your trees may need additional irrigation if the weather is particularly windy. - Keep an eye on new transplants.
New transplants you’ve recently deposited with your ProLine shovel may require more frequent watering. You can test soil surrounding newly transplanted trees by using a garden trowel. Insert it 2-inches into the earth, moving the blade back and forth to create a trench. If the soil at this depth is moist, irrigation is not necessary. - Mulch around trees when possible.
This can guard against moisture loss, preventing cracks in the soil, and providing additional insulation for trees in winter weather. - Resume your regular schedule in the spring.
Return to business as usual when trees start to bud in the spring by returning to your regular watering schedule once the ground thaws.
Don’t neglect your dormant trees this winter. Ensure robust, healthy trees from sapling to transplant with the help of ProLine nursery and tree transplanting equipment today.