Watering Trees In the Winter

Although trees stay dormant during the winter, they aren’t immune to dry and cold conditions. Trees experience the stress of damaging winter weather. Though, they may not show it. It’s typically a lack of water that does the most harm. Therefore, watering trees in the winter is crucial.

Though it might be wintry and gray outside, your trees still need you. Dry, long periods without extra water kill your trees, destroying your root systems. Even though they might appear normal looking in the spring, trees that have been damaged over the winter will die back later in the summer.

Follow the tree care advice below to aid the trees on your property endure the winter and stay healthy all year long.

Watering During the Winter

Keep watering trees on a normal schedule during the fall until the earth starts to freeze. When the ground freezes, continue to watch weather conditions during the winter months.

When to Water

Water works like an insulator to the soil and the tree. Soil that stays wet will be warmer. Similar, tree cells that are full of water will be less vulnerable to harm from the cold.

Trees which are dormant don’t have to be watered often during the growing season. When there is little precipitation and no snow, water your trees one to two times a month until they start leafing out in the springtime. If the area is mostly windy, your trees might need more water. Once the ground melts in the spring, you can restart your normal watering schedule.

Water only when the temperature is over 40 degrees F and there isn’t any ice or snow on the ground close to your trees. Water early in the day, so the trees have time to soak it up before the temperature drops at night.

Be careful to put water all the way out to the outer part of the root spread of the tree. Most established trees have a root spread the same as their height. If possible, water deeply with a soaker hose and don’t spray on foliage if watering an evergreen tree.

Watering Young Trees

Newly planted or young trees are much more vulnerable to drought damage during the wintertime. Be sure they are well watered during the fall and summer until the ground freezes. Water every few weeks in the wintertime when there is no snow.

If you're concerned about the trees in your landscape and need help identifying them and their needs, contact us at Harrisburg Tree Service and we will provide the professional assistance you need!​

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