01/09/2026
A VERY common question we get this time of year is "You mean, I still have to water my trees in the winter, too?!"
The answer is: YES!! Here are some tips we recommend...
🌳WHEN to water: As long as the ground isn't frozen and the temp is above freezing, you're free to water. It's ideal to do it in the morning, as it allows time to soak in before nightfall freezing.
If we have a dry winter (i.e. minimal snow, ice, rain, etc), then it's ideal to water twice a month for deciduous trees and 3-4x a month for evergreen trees. Newly planted trees will require at least once a week watering to establish good roots.
🌲HOW: A soaker hose or a 5 gallon bucket with holes in the bottom are the easiest methods. The amount of water is more important than how often. The roots way below the surface require nutrients, too. And only getting water to the shallow roots causes winter drought in the tree. Rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of the tree's diameter or caliper. If you're ever in doubt about a tree needing watered, probe the soil to ensure the soil is moist at around a 4" depth. Anything less means they're thirsty!
-Keep in mind, just because it snows doesn't mean a tree or plant is watered. 10" of melted snow is only the equivalent of 1" of rain.
-Evergreen trees require more frequent watering than a deciduous tree (maples, oaks, etc).
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