If you’ve ever experienced the discouragement of winter lawn kill or trees and shrubs that didn't survive the cold weather months, you may need to winter water.
Even though landscape plants are dormant and brown, they should be watered periodically in the winter, especially during stretches of dry weather.
When to water
- Water 1-2 times per month from November to April.
- It is most critical to water in March and April when new roots are forming.
- Choose a warm winter day with air temperature above 40 degrees F and unfrozen soil. Water at midday so it can soak in before it freezes.
- If recent snow or rain has moistened the soil deeply, you can wait several weeks to water.
What to water
- 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.
- Do not winter water cacti, succulents, buffalo grass, blue grama and very xeriscape (low-water) plants.
How to water
- Use a hose-end sprinkler or watering wand since automatic sprinkler systems are off during the winter.
- Water slowly so it can soak in.
- To figure out how long to water, put cups next to what you are watering to catch some of the water. Water until you can measure 0.5 to 1” deep in the cups.
- Don't forget to detach the hose from the spigot after watering to prevent freeze damage.
A word to the wise
Shrubs and trees that don't receive regular water will search for hydration on their own—often in your wastewater pipes. Roots are a common cause of pipe damage, and repairs can be messy and costly. Service lines are the homeowner's responsibility, so have pipes checked at least once a year or more if you live in a long-established, heavily-treed neighborhood.
