Watering in fall and winter

Trees and shrubs still require water during fall and winter. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, soil that stays moist stays warmer in the fall and winter. If the trees and shrubs have cells filled with water, then this helps protect them from winter damage. This condition is called turgid. 

The best practice for watering is to let the water soak in the soil slowly. Trees uptake soil better with that type of condition. Be sure to soak the top 12 inches. Keep watering on a regular basis until the ground freezes. Once the ground freezes, if there is no snow cover of any significance, then start watering when the temperature is 40 or above, so the water gets to soak in slowly again. With well-established trees, water every four to six weeks, if there is no snow cover. 

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