Winters in Colorado can have extended warm, dry, windy spells. While a winter without snow may appeal to some people, it is not our favorite because it causes winter drought. Trees, shrubs, and perennials at risk from dry winters include all recent transplants, evergreens, and shallow rooted species such as lindens, birches, and maples. Please remember that failure to support your landscape with supplemental watering constitutes neglect and may negate any warranties and guarantees associated with your plantings and installation.

Affected plants may appear normal and resume growth in the spring, only to weaken or die in late spring or early summer because the amount of new growth produced is greater than the weakened root system can support.

The following is a list of guidelines to help you maintain your trees and plants through the winter season.

• Water can be applied to landscape plants any time the temperature is above freezing (preferably above 40 degrees F.) and the soil is not frozen so it can soak into the ground.
• Sprinklers can be used to water both the lawn and well-established trees. Don’t activate your underground sprinkler system in the winter. Don’t forget to disconnect your hose from the faucet once you are done watering and to drain the hose line.
• Soak the soil to at least a depth of six to eight inches for the lawn, perennials, and shrubs. This depth provides moisture to the crowns and feeder roots. Trees should be soaked more deeply. When watering young trees, the most important area is halfway between the trunk and several feet beyond the branch extremities. As a general rule, apply 10 gallons of water for each diameter inch of the tree.
• Normally, soaking your trees and plants every two to three weeks is sufficient when there is a lack of snow on the ground. Keep in mind though the type of plants and soil and weather conditions. Probe the soil when it is dry to determine the need for more water.
• Apply water early in the day, so it will have time to soak in before nighttime freezing. If water stands around the base of a tree, it can freeze and damage the bark.
• Plants most likely to fail due to lack of supplemental watering are fall-established lawns, young trees and shrubs that are five years old or younger. Late summer/fall planted perennials need extra attention as they do not establish as quickly as plants planted in the spring.
• Evergreens are at the greatest risk during a winter drought. In most years, two to three winter waterings per month (in the absence of wet snow) will be enough to keep plants from suffering winter drought.

We welcome any and all questions regarding winter watering. Proper care of your landscape during these arid months will ensure a healthy return of your plantings come spring. Your ongoing attention also helps us to determine which failing plants are eligible for warranty replacement due to valid poor health instead of neglect. If you don’t not have the time or desire to drag around hoses, our crew can provide this supplemental service for you.