Winter Tree Watering: A Guide for Hudson Valley Homeowners

Watering your trees this winter can be the difference between healthy trees in the spring and struggling ones. Winter droughts can be extremely damaging to a tree’s health, and providing supplemental water is an easy way to protect them. Here’s what you need to know about winter tree watering, when and how you should do it, and look which trees it most benefits.

PRO TIP: Winter tree watering is just one of many things you can do for your trees from November to March. Learn more about other items with our winter tree care checklist.

Key Takeaways

• Winter tree watering is essential for preventing dehydration and root damage, especially during dry winter months with little precipitation.
• Water trees on days when temperatures are above 40°F, the ground is thawed, and there’s no snow cover, to ensure water penetrates the soil.
• Newly planted trees, evergreens, and those with shallow root systems are particularly vulnerable to winter drought and require extra attention.
• Mulching around trees can help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for frequent supplemental watering.

Winter Watering for Trees in the Hudson Valley

Take a walk on a hot summer’s day in the Hudson Valley, and you’ll likely see residents watering their trees and shrubs. However, if you walk the same route in the winter, you likely won’t see those same neighbors doing any watering. Though it might not seem like it, winter tree watering can be just as important as watering in the summer.

The word drought probably conjures up images of sunny days with high heat. But late-fall and winter droughts are just as concerning in our area.

Even during dormancy, trees and shrubs require water to survive. Providing supplemental water to trees dealing with a lack of water in the winter can prevent root damage and help them through the winter.

When to Perform Winter Tree Watering

Water your trees this winter during specific situations, including:

• Periods of Little Precipitation: Snowfall and winter rains can usually provide the water a tree needs. However, if there have been less than average rainy periods or there is no snow cover, supply your trees with supplemental water.
• Temperatures Above 40 Degrees: You want the temperature to be slightly above freezing before applying supplemental water. Low temperatures can freeze the water before it makes its way into the soil.
• Unfrozen Ground: Water can’t penetrate the frozen ground. Ensure the warmer temperatures have thawed the ground before applying any water.
• Persistent Wind: The high winds and lower humidity during the winter can dry out a tree faster than in the summer. This is especially prevalent for windbreak trees.

How to Water Your Trees In Winter

Due to winter’s unique conditions and challenges, watering your trees can be slightly different than providing supplemental water in the summer. Some general rules of thumb for winter tree watering include:

• Water your trees early in the day to give the ground the longest amount of time to absorb the water before the night sets in.
• Try to water throughout the tree’s drip line (the portion of the tree under the canopy).
• Avoid getting water on the trunk.
• Work to soak the ground under a tree to get the water to the deeper roots.
• Water your trees once or twice a month as dry conditions persist.

Methods for Getting Water to Your Trees

Winter watering presents a unique challenge of getting water to your trees. If you have an irrigation system, you’ve likely shut it off for the winter. And most Hudson Valley homeowners will have put away the hose for the year to prevent it from getting damaged by the frigid winter temperatures. So, how do you effectively water your trees?

For smaller yards with only a few trees, we recommend a watering can or a bucket with a few small holes in the bottom. Alternatively, break out the garden hose for a larger yard and use a soaker attachment to ensure deep water penetration into the soil.

Once you’ve finished watering, drain all the water from your hose before you put it away.

Typical Trees That Need Winter Watering

Some types of trees to pay special attention to when performing winter tree watering include:

• Newly Planted Trees: While larger root systems allow trees to access water from a wider area, newly planted trees lack this extensive root network, making them more vulnerable to drought.
• Evergreen Trees: Coniferous trees are particularly vulnerable to drying out during the winter. Cold, dry winds can sap moisture from evergreen needles faster than the roots can replenish it. Many Hudson Valley homeowners use evergreens as natural windbreaks, which means these trees face even greater water needs than others on your property.
• Trees with Shallow Root Systems: Trees like maples or birches have shallow root systems. These trees may need more supplemental water, as their roots cannot find as much water.

Mulching Can Help Trees Struggling with a Lack of Water

Placing mulch around your trees is a simple way to cut down on the amount of supplemental water you’ll have to supply to your trees. Mulch acts as a blanket, helping to reduce the loss of moisture from your trees and to regulate the soil temperature.

We recommend placing a layer of mulch between two and four inches deep around your tree. Extend the mulch to the edge of the tree’s drip line, and avoid piling any mulch around the tree trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Tree Care

What should I do for my trees in the winter other than watering them?

Some of the care you should provide to your trees in the winter include:

• Have an arborist cable and brace weak sections of your trees.
• Winter is the best season for tree pruning. Schedule pruning with a local arborist to ensure your trees stay healthy and well-maintained.
• Have an ISA Certified Arborist inspect your trees and provide you with documentation and recommendations on how to care for them.

Should I wrap my trees in the winter?

Yes, in some cases, you should wrap your trees. Wrapping your trees can protect them from frost cracks, sunscald, and exposure to de-icing salt. Use burlap or a commercial tree wrap for your tree. Just be sure you remove it as soon as the temperature begins heating up in the spring.

Hill Treekeepers Can Help Care for Your Trees This Winter

Tree watering is a simple thing you can do for your Hudson Valley trees this winter to help them get through dormancy and help them reemerge in the spring healthy and ready to grow. If you need help caring for your trees this winter, trust the skill and experience of an ISA Certified Arborist.

Hill Treekeepers is ready to help with any winter tree care you need. We employ ISA Certified Arborists who know how to help your trees through the cold, wind, ice, and snow. Call us today at 914-214-7045 or request a quote online.