Waterwisdom
Winter watering tips
- Do not turn on your irrigation system to water your trees.
- Use hoses, soaker hoses or buckets.
- Water your deciduous trees and evergreen trees up to 2 times a month between October and March.
- Check soil moisture levels around the dripline of the tree to determine how much water is needed.
- To accurately determine soil moisture, dig down at least 4-6 inches.
- Water during the day when temperatures are above 40 degrees to allow the water to soak in before freezing night temperatures set in.
- Do not water if soil is frozen.
- How much water your tree should receive depends upon the tree size: A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. Measure trunk diameter at knee height. General formula: Tree Diameter x 5 min. = Total Watering Time.
- The most important area to water for deciduous trees is within the dripline (from the trunk to the other edges of the trees branches). For evergreens, water 3-5 feet beyond the dripline on all sides of the tree.
- Maintain mulch 4 inches deep around trees and shrubs to retain moisture. Pull mulch back from the tree trunk.