Dry, Dry December, Yes it's Dry Out There!

In case you missed my recent Denver Post Punch List, below is the section about winter watering with a few added comments, photos and links. Read the full column here.

The mountains are getting plenty of snow, but moisture up and down the Front Range has been spotty at best, will my landscape plants be affected? 

If plants could talk they’d say bring on the snow and plenty of moisture over the winter. Long stretches without adequate moisture in the fall through winter can cause plants and tree root systems to suffer injury or die. All types of plants including new or established trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and lawns may be damaged without supplemental water. Sure, plants may resume new growth in the spring, but with low stored energy they can be weakened and stressed. As temperatures rise through the summer–dieback, insects or disease issues could be problematic.

Insert needle just eight inches, too much further and you'll be under most of the roots

Water at least once a month until we receive adequate moisture. Mid-day watering is ideal—when air and soil temperatures are forty degrees or warmer. Avoid watering frozen areas or when there is snow cover. 

Use hoses and a sprinkler or soil needle (don’t insert deeper than eight inches). Start with southern and western exposures first, then water the newest plantings from this past season. For trees—move the sprinkler all around the drip-line (where the tree branches end) in at least four spots for about twenty minutes or less with run off. Drain hoses after each use.  

Additional comments - I was reminded by my brother how difficult it is to drag hoses this time of year. Even though they aren't frozen (if drained properly), they are still cold, often times heavy and not easy to uncoil. Not to give a plug for specific hose companies, but there are several lightweight hoses out there and they make great sense to use in the winter. 

Personally I'm using the flexible, expanding type of hoses that have had many complaints over the years from bursting. Two fixes usually work for me. Purchase an inexpensive pressure regulator for the hose bib to attach the hose to and be sure the hose end attachment is open so water flows through. If using a wand or sprayer attachment, never close it completely or it may burst. I'm on my third year of these hoses and so far, so good.  Drain them completely after each use, it takes about a minute. I put them in a five-gallon bucket and store in the garage for easy access.   

 

Links for more information - 

Colorado State University Fall and Winter Watering 

Planttalk Colorado™ Winter Watering Trees and Shrubs Video

Tree Care Guide - Denver Water

Tips for Winter Watering

Why Should you Water Your Trees this Winter