Winter is just around the corner, and while your trees may appear dormant, their roots are still hard at work underground, storing the resources needed for a strong, healthy start next spring. Winter watering for trees plays an important role in this process. Ensuring your trees and shrubs have moist soil before the ground freezes is one of the best ways to prepare your landscape for the months ahead. In the Great Lakes Bay region, where winters are tough and unpredictable, this simple practice – what we call “putting your plants to bed wet” – can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways:
- Making sure your trees and shrubs have the moisture they need before the ground freezes ensures they survive winter and thrive when spring arrives.
- Pay attention to soil moisture and weather conditions – stop watering once temperatures consistently drop below freezing, and the soil becomes too hard to absorb water.
- Focus on keeping the soil moist, not soggy, to prevent root rot and other issues.
- Newly planted trees, evergreens, and potted plants need special attention as they are more susceptible to dehydration and winter stress.
- In addition to watering, you can prune damaged branches, apply mulch, and shield trees from winter winds, to ensure your trees stay healthy through the season.
Why Watering Trees Before Winter Matters
In many parts of the country, supplemental watering is recommended during winter, especially when conditions are unusually dry. However, here in the Great Lakes Bay region, the same rule doesn’t apply.
Watering your trees before the ground freezes is key to helping them survive the long, harsh winter and emerge healthy when temperatures rise again. While the tree’s branches and leaves appear dormant, the roots stay active, continuing to absorb water and nutrients. This is why proper hydration before the freeze is so important.
In our area, where winters can be especially tough, watering before the ground hardens helps prevent dehydration. Once the soil freezes, it becomes nearly impossible for trees to take up water. Without sufficient moisture, trees and shrubs can experience dehydration during dormancy, which can lead to dead tissue when spring finally arrives.
When to Stop Watering Trees for Winter
Knowing when to stop watering your trees for the winter can be a bit tricky, as it depends on several factors, like the weather and the types of plants in your landscape. While it’s important to stop watering once the ground freezes, the exact timing can vary from year to year. In dry falls, like the one we’re experiencing now, you may need to water a little later into the season.
To determine the right time to stop, check the soil around the tree’s roots. You can easily do this by using your finger, a screwdriver, or even a soil probe to dig down a few inches. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, you’re good to go.
Keep a close eye on the weather as well. Once temperatures consistently dip below freezing, plants have shut down and the uptake is all done. And of course, if the ground becomes hard, it’s time to wrap up your watering for the season.
Aim for Moist, Not Soggy Soil
When watering your trees for winter, it’s important to aim for moist, well-hydrated soil—not soggy soil. Overwatering can create a different set of problems, such as root rot or fungal growth, so be mindful to water deeply and evenly, ensuring that the soil around the roots can absorb moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Which Trees Are Particularly Vulnerable During Winter
Some trees are more susceptible to winter damage than others. Larger trees and ball and burlap trees tend to retain moisture longer than others. Here’s a closer look at which trees are more vulnerable:
- Newly Planted Trees: These trees are still establishing their root systems and are more susceptible to dehydration. They may need additional watering before the ground freezes to help them survive the winter.
- Evergreens: Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens hold on to their leaves or needles throughout winter, which means they continue to lose moisture, even when temperatures drop. Evergreen trees and shrubs often experience injury in winter as harsh winds pull moisture out of leaves that can’t be replenished.
Additional Tree Care Tips to Protect Trees This Winter
The winter months can be tough on your landscape, but making sure they have enough water to survive until spring isn’t the only thing you can do. Just a little extra care can go a long way. Here are some additional tips we recommend:
- Prune Dead or Damaged Branches: Regularly inspect your trees for any dead, weak, or damaged branches. Winter pruning helps reduce the risk of breakage during winter storms and ensures your trees maintain a healthy structure.
- Apply Mulch: A layer of mulch around the base of your trees helps insulate the roots and keep moisture in the soil. It also prevents frost from penetrating deeply, making it easier on the root system.
- Block Winter Winds: Harsh winter winds can dry out your trees and shrubs, causing evergreens to yellow or “winter burn.” Using temporary wind screens can shield your trees from wind and reduce moisture loss. This may be useful in the first year or two after planting. After that, a healthy plant should be able to care for itself.
Get Your Trees Ready for Winter with Bay Landscaping
Caring for your trees before winter sets in doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little attention and planning. From winter watering to mulching and pruning, these simple steps can make all the difference in protecting your trees and shrubs through the colder months.
If you’re unsure where to begin or need expert guidance to ensure your landscape thrives this winter, the team at Bay Landscaping is here to help. Give us a call at 989-893-0000 today, and let’s work together to prepare your trees for whatever winter has in store—ensuring they come back healthier and stronger when spring arrives.
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