How to make sure your evergreen trees are watered for winter
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As we come to harvest time in the fall, the temperatures are cooling off, we are rolling up those hoses and shutting off our sprinkler systems. But wait! This is the key time that our evergreen trees need water.
As deciduous trees are losing their leaves and going dormant for the winter evergreens are still growing.
Evergreens are actively using and losing water throughout the fall, winter and spring. Until the ground freezes, evergreens are still taking up moisture. After the ground freezes, they can no longer take up moisture but still need it.
As our weather has not provided us with much moisture in the fall or early winter and even into the spring, evergreen trees do not have enough moisture available to them to support what they are using and losing.
The more wind we have during the winter months dries out evergreens. They need moisture in the ground so when it is not frozen, they can take it up to support that water loss.
Fall is one of the most crucial times to water evergreens. Evergreen trees need the soil wet to the depth of 18-24 inches about every other week in the fall and spring. During the summer when it’s hot, they will need that much water every week.
Make sure to wet the soil not at the base of the tree but out near the drip line (edge of the canopy). Most of the roots that will take up the water and nutrients are in the three feet around the drip line to about 10-15 feet out away from the drip line all the way around your trees.
Instead of rolling up that hose, go out and soak the root zone of your evergreen trees every other week until the ground freezes.
Yes, I know this will take time and energy to put the hose out and water during the day and then to drain and disconnect the hose so you don’t freeze and break water lines, but your trees will survive and be healthier than if you don’t.
Also, in the spring when the ground begins to thaw if it is dry and no moisture is forecasted soon, begin the hose watering process again every other week to help them recover from the drying winds.
Everyone wants to know why the trees are dying all over the state particularly the evergreens. This is the main reason why. We have not received enough moisture in the fall, winter and spring, even during the summer, to provide them with adequate water to remain healthy.
Stressed trees are an invitation to insects and disease. The healthier your trees are the more resistant they will be. Water is the key.
Trees are a generational investment. Do what you can to protect that investment.