Should You Be Winter Watering?

As the ‘23-’24 winter proves to be significantly warmer and drier than usual in Northern Colorado, it has become more necessary to consider winter watering. There are several practices to take into account, however, before you break out the garden hose.

First of all, it is best to apply water when the daytime temperatures are expected to remain above 40 degrees for a minimum of 3-4 hours, and only when there is little or no ice or snow on the ground to impede the infiltration of the water into the soil. Watering at a low flow rate will help to alleviate runoff and excessive water waste.

Secondly, most lawns typically maintain their dormancy during the winter months, especially when snow and rainfall are lacking, and DO NOT NEED supplemental watering. The extreme drought and resulting water restrictions and of the 2002-2003 growing seasons taught us that these lawns will bounce right back once regular watering resumes.

The winter watering of perennials, shrubs and trees may be necessary, especially if warmer temperatures and drier conditions persist. This is especially true for evergreen species such as Fir, Spruce, Pine, Yew, Juniper and broadleaf evergreens as these continue to photosynthesize throughout the winter months. Deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials may also appreciate some supplemental moisture. Be sure to apply the water slowly and to the feeder roots of the plants in need. Mature trees have their feeder roots well away from their trunk and may need to be watered as much as 15-20’ from the trunk of the tree. A good rule of thumb is to water the trees under the ends of their out-reaching branches (i.e. under their drip line). It is also advised to put down approximately 10 gallons of water for every inch of diameter of the mature trees.

The solar exposure of the site will help determine how much winter watering may be necessary to maintain the health of the plants. South facing slopes and extremely solar sites will heat up and dry out faster and consequently will require more watering. Shady conditions and north facing slopes may eliminate the need to winter water.