Winter Watering

Why?

If you’ve ever experienced the discouragement of lawn winter kill or dead landscape plants in spring, try winter watering. Even though landscape plants are dormant and brown, they need to be watered periodically. Dry winter months often kill plants through dehydration. By winter watering, your lawn and landscape plants will have a much better chance of greening up beautifully when the warm weather of spring returns.

When?

• Choose a warm winter day with air temperature above 40 degrees F and unfrozen soil.
• Water one to two times per month from November to April.
• It is most critical to water in March and April when the new roots are forming.
• Water at mid-day so it can soak in before it freezes.

What?

• It is most important to water newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers.
• Established lawn areas and trees, especially those in sunny, windy, or exposed areas should also be a high priority.
• Established shrubs, flowers, ornamental grasses and groundcovers will also benefit.
• Do not winter water cacti, succulents, buffalograss, blue grama and very xeric plants.

How?

• Use a hose-end SPRINKLER or watering wand since automatic sprinkler systems are off during the winter.
• Remove the hose from the spigot after watering to prevent freeze damage.
• Water slowly so it can soak in.
• To figure out how long to water, put out cups to catch some of the water. Water until you can measure 0.5 to 1” deep in the cups.