Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and while most of us are ready to hunker down inside over winter, we canāt forget about our trees! Winter in Kansas is not just about cold temperatures ā it's also about dry soils. Many parts of the state see extended periods with little precipitation, particularly snow, during the colder months, and large portions of Kansas frequently experience winter drought conditions. Ā In addition, freezing and thawing cycles in winter can pull moisture out of the soil, and drying winds (especially common in open Kansas landscapes) further exacerbate moisture loss. These dynamics make winter watering a critical consideration, even when trees are dormant. Ā Why Winter Watering Is Important: - Root Survival and Hydration
Even in dormancy, tree roots remain alive and require some moisture. Trees use stored water, but when the surrounding soil is dry, they can be stressed early on in the growing season once spring arrives. - Preventing Winter Injury
For evergreens (like pines, cedars, and spruces), water loss from foliage (needles) continues throughout winter. Dry conditions make them vulnerable to winter burn. This occurs when the tree has used up all of the stored water from within the needles, and they begin to dry out and turn brown. Well-hydrated soil also helps regulate temperature extremes: moist soil retains heat better than bone-dry soil, which can reduce root damage during rapid temperature changes that we often see here in the state. - Long-Term Health
Trees that go into winter happy and healthy are more likely to come back in the spring stronger than those that did not. We often see more growth, brighter foliage, and stronger root systems on newly planted trees that have been well cared for going into and through winter than those that have been unattended.
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Keeping soil moisture adequate can lessen the harsh effects of cold, dry, winter months on new and established trees. |
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Multiple factors go into the proper timing for optimal winter watering. Making sure that the soil is thawed is the most important, if frozen, water will simply runoff and not make it down into the root system. A good rule of thumb is to try and water during the warmest part of the day and while temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the soil its best chances for absorption. Remember, just because the air temp is above freezing, that does not mean the ground will be thawed. Always check your soil first. Ā When asked how often to water, the best answer is āIt Dependsā. Only water when necessary, and a great way to check this is simply by sticking something such as a screwdriver into the soil near the base of the tree. If the ground is hard and dry, the screwdriver will be difficult to stick in, and watering is recommended. Weather also plays a huge role in how frequent to water, but typically in Kansas, a slow soaking every 3-4 weeks should be adequate. Young or newly planted trees may need to be monitored more closely due to their susceptibility to damage at a young age. Ā There are several factors to consider when it comes to how to water your trees: - A slow and steady drip or stream that soaks the ground will be more beneficial than dumping large quantities of water quickly. Use a trickling garden hose to effectively water the area immediately around the tree for several hours.
- For young trees, using tree gator bags is highly effective. A simple DIY version can be made at home by drilling a small hole in the base of a 5-gallon bucket that can slowly empty over time at the base of the tree.
- Make sure the watering adequately soaks the soil. Remember, all surface area under the treeās dripline should be moistened. Larger trees may require saturated soil down 10-12 inches.
- After watering, you can check penetration by probing with a screwdriver again.
- Once completed, make sure to disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving them hooked up could result in freezing and broken pipes.
- ALWAYS check soil moisture before watering. Evaporation during winter months is much slower than summer, and saturated soils can drown the root system if overdone.
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Evergreen trees retain their needles throughout winter which makes them more susceptible to winter drying. |
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Evergreens, newly planted trees, and high value landscape species are all worth keeping a close eye on during cold winter months. Due to evergreens holding their needles year round, they require more water than the typical deciduous trees that we see losing their leaves. Younger trees also donāt have a well established root system yet to seek out deep water so making sure they have water accessible is crucial. With Landscape ornamentals, often times we see less drought tolerant species used and with that, they can be more susceptible to the Kansas weather. Ā While many people assume trees donāt need water in winter, Kansas winters ā particularly dry ones ā can put stress on them in ways that only proper winter watering can mitigate. By staying vigilant, checking soil moisture, and using slow, deep watering methods, you can help ensure your trees emerge from winter strong and ready for growth in spring. Ā |
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District Forester, Kansas Forest Service (785) 236-3991 Ā Ā |
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2610 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502, United States |
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