Fall Tree Watering: How to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

The gorgeous colors of foliage in the fall give way to sparse branches and cold weather as the winter approaches. Preparing your trees, especially newly planted trees, for the winter months is crucial to ensure their health and growth. You may believe that once fall hits, tree watering can be put on hold, this is a misconception. Even though deciduous trees may seem dormant, their roots are still active and require you to apply water to sustain them through the winter.

Fall Tree Watering: How to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

During fall, before the ground freezes, it’s beneficial to apply a generous amount of water to the root zone of both newly planted and established trees and shrubs. Aim for several gallons of water, ensuring the soil around the roots is well-hydrated. Using a soaker hose can be an effective way to evenly distribute water, allowing it to seep into the soil slowly and reach the root spread. This helps the trees and shrubs absorb moisture efficiently.

Why Water Trees During the Winter?

While the branches and leaves of trees lay dormant during the winter, the roots keep doing their thing.

To retain soil moisture and regulate temperatures around the root zone, consider applying a layer of organic mulch. Mulch acts as an insulator, preventing rapid moisture loss during dry periods and helping maintain a more consistent soil moisture level. However, as winter approaches and the temperature drops, it’s important to gradually stop watering, allowing the trees to enter a state of dormancy.

Once the ground freezes, reduce or stop watering altogether, as the frozen ground prevents the absorption of excess water by the root system. By understanding the needs of your trees in the fall and winter, you can promote healthy root spread equal to their canopy, setting the stage for vibrant growth come spring.

Failing to water during the winter may damage the roots, hurting the tree. The soil is a barrier to the cold winter weather and is usually much warmer than the air above the ground.

Water provides an insulating effect on the roots and soil. Dry soil is colder than moist earth, and watering safeguards the roots from the cold during the winter.

Winter Watering Preparation for Trees

Winter watering isn’t as frequent as in the spring and summer. If there is no snow or rain in your region during the winter, you’ll need to water once or twice a month to keep the roots in good shape.

Don’t water in freezing weather; wait until outdoor temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit and there’s no ice or snow around the tree’s base. Watering in freezing conditions will damage the roots.

How Do You Know if a Tree Needs Water?

Press your fingers into the soil to a depth of two inches. If it feels moist, there’s no need to water; if it’s dry, it’s time to give the tree a drink. If you have trouble determining the condition of the soil, call an ISA-Certified Arborist for assistance.

What to Check Before Winter Watering?

It’s crucial to winterize sprinkler systems before the winter arrives. This strategy prevents damage to the sprinkler system and the tree.

If you don’t have a sprinkler system, you can water using a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment. It’s important to “deep water” the roots with each watering session to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.

How Do I Water My Tress in Winter?

Winter watering requires a slower flow rate to the roots for a longer period. This watering strategy allows deep water penetration into the soil, reaching the entire root system, not just those at the surface.

Watering at high flow rates for short periods causes run-off and weak penetration into the soil. Set up a drip watering system around the tree’s base and water for a few hours daily in warmer weather.

Watering a young tree or sapling may need three to four monthly watering sessions to keep the roots healthy and growing.

If the ground is frozen, use a shovel or garden tiller or shovel to break it up and water as normal using the hose or a drip system.

Additional Information: Nebraska’s drought status, 9/28/23

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