Evergreen trees, such as this magnificent blue spruce, especially require water in fall and winter because they retain their foliage year-round. Evergreens lose water as moisture moves from the roots, up through the trunk, and out the leaves. Also, newly planted trees need more water in fall and winter to help them get established.
With the snow we’ve been receiving in Colorado over the winter, many gardeners think it’s unnecessary to water their plants.
Not so. On average, 13 inches of snow equals only one inch of rain, according to the National Severe Storm Laboratory, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
So, this means you need to haul out your hose once a month when winter temperatures rise above 40 degrees, and give your yard a good soak. Otherwise, you could lose some of your valuable trees and shrubs–especially evergreens, which require more water.
This year, winter watering is more important than ever, because Colorado’s 2017-2018 snowpack is the worst that it has been in 30 years. So, we could be facing a drought for the upcoming growing season. If you keep your plants healthy now, they’ll be in better shape to withstand drier conditions.
I watered my entire yard about a week ago, even though the soil looked moist from melted snow. I was amazed at how quickly the water from my sprinkler sank into the soil.
Yes, it’s a pain to water in cold weather, but just do it, as soon as the snow from yesterday’s snowstorm melts. And keep doing it until rain kicks in around April.
For more information on winter watering, visit Colorado State University’s website.
Blossoms & Blueprints 