Winter Watering for Trees and Shrubs in Utah

Trees and shrubs in Utah may need water during winter, especially when the weather stays dry for a long time. Newly planted trees, evergreens, shallow-rooted plants, and plants in windy or sunny areas are more likely to need extra water.

Established trees and shrubs often get enough moisture from rain and snow. The need for winter water depends on recent precipitation, soil moisture, plant age, and whether the ground is frozen.

Key Takeaways

• Winter watering of trees in Utah is mainly needed during long, dry periods with little or no snow.
• The best window for watering trees in winter is generally 11 AM to 2 PM, when the soil has warmed and water has time to reach the roots before nighttime temperatures fall.
• Water trees and shrubs only when the ground is unfrozen and temperatures are above 40°F.
• Newly planted trees and shrubs need water more often because their smaller roots cannot reach as much moisture.
• Established trees may need water about once a month, while newly planted trees may need it every 2–3 weeks during prolonged dry periods.

Do Trees and Shrubs Need Water During a Utah Winter?

Yes, some Utah trees and shrubs need winter water during long dry periods, especially when there is little or no snow. Established plants often receive enough moisture from winter precipitation and snowmelt. However, newly planted trees, evergreens, conifers, and plants in exposed areas can dry out faster. Evergreens are particularly vulnerable since they continue losing moisture through their needles during winter.

When Should You Water Trees and Shrubs in Utah?

You should water trees and shrubs in Utah during dry, snow-free winter periods when the ground is unfrozen and temperatures are above 40°F. Avoid watering when the soil is frozen or saturated. Snow cover can provide moisture as it melts and helps protect the root zone from temperature changes.

Best Time of Day

The best time of the day to water trees and shrubs during a Utah winter is between 11 AM and 2 PM on a mild, sunny day. By this time, the soil has had a chance to warm, while several hours remain for water to enter the root zone before nighttime temperatures fall.

The timing should meet these conditions:

• Air and soil temperatures should be above 40°F.
• The soil must be unfrozen so that water can move into the root zone.
• Snow should have melted from the watering area.
• Avoid early morning when the soil may still be frozen and late afternoon when temperatures may soon drop below freezing.

Seasonal Schedules

Winter watering shrubs in Utah should change with the weather, plant age, and time of season rather than follow one fixed schedule.

A general seasonal pattern is:

• Late fall: Root-zone moisture becomes important before long periods of freezing, particularly after a dry fall. Trees entering winter with dry roots face greater winter stress.
• Midwinter: Established trees and shrubs may need water about every 4–6 weeks during extended dry periods. Newly planted plants from the previous 1–2 years may need it every 2–3 weeks.
• Evergreens: During prolonged dry weather, they may need water about every 3–4 weeks as moisture continues to leave their needles.
• Late winter: Mild, sunny, and windy periods can increase moisture loss, so root-zone conditions become particularly important.
• Snow-covered periods: Watering is generally unnecessary while snow is providing moisture and insulating the soil.

Watering Frequency by Plant Age

Newly planted trees and shrubs generally need winter water more often than established plants because their root systems are smaller. As roots spread into the surrounding soil, plants can reach a larger supply of stored moisture, so their winter water needs usually decrease.

Plant age and size provide useful guidelines:

• Trees and shrubs planted within the past year: Water every 2–3 weeks during long periods without rain or snow. Their small root systems cannot reach as much stored water.
• Trees that are still getting established: Water about every 3–4 weeks during prolonged dry periods, depending on soil moisture and weather. A tree generally takes about one year to establish for every inch of trunk thickness.
• Established shrubs under 3 feet tall: About 5 gallons once a month during long dry periods.
• Established shrubs 6 feet or taller: About 18 gallons once a month during dry winter periods.
• Large established trees: About 5–10 gallons for every inch of trunk diameter, about once or twice a month during extended dry weather.

Which Trees and Shrubs Need Extra Winter Water?

Evergreens, newly planted trees and shrubs, shallow-rooted trees, and plants in exposed locations are more likely to need extra winter water.

The main higher-risk plants and locations include:

• Evergreens: Pines, firs, spruces, junipers, and broadleaf evergreens continue losing water through their needles or leaves. This can cause winter drying, which often appears as brown needle or leaf tips, especially on sunny or windy sides of the plant.
• Recently planted trees and shrubs: Plants established within the last 1–2 years have smaller root systems, so they cannot reach moisture across as much soil.
• Shallow-rooted trees: Birches, some maples, lindens, dogwoods, willows, and mountain ash can become stressed more quickly during long dry periods.
• Plants in exposed locations: Trees and shrubs near south- or west-facing walls, pavement, open windy areas, wide roof overhangs, or other places receiving little snow can lose moisture faster.
• Plants in sandy soil: Water moves through sandy soil faster, leaving less moisture available to roots.
• Drought-tolerant: Even drought-tolerant trees and shrubs can be vulnerable during their first winters while their root systems are still developing.

How to Tell If Your Tree or Shrub Needs Water

You can tell if a tree or shrub may need winter water by looking at moisture below the soil surface, recent weather, and signs of stress on the plant. Many water-absorbing roots of established trees and shrubs are within the upper 12–18 inches of soil.

A professional assessment can use these signs to identify possible winter water stress:

Get Professional Tree and Shrub Care From Stewart’s

Stewart’s Lawn has provided professional tree and shrub care for Utah homeowners since 1972. Its certified arborists can evaluate signs of winter stress and identify problems affecting plant health.

Professional winter tree care in Utah includes:

• On-site evaluations for browning, thinning, dieback, and weak spring growth.
• Disease services when symptoms indicate a plant health problem.
• Iron chlorosis treatment for trees showing signs of iron deficiency.

Seeing signs of decline? Schedule a professional evaluation with Stewart’s for winter shrub care in Utah.

FAQs

Do trees need to be watered during winter in Utah?

Yes, trees need to be watered during winter in Utah when the weather stays dry for a long time. Established trees often need little extra water. Newly planted trees, evergreens, and trees in exposed areas are more likely to need winter water.

How often should I water trees in winter in Utah?

You should water trees in winter in Utah about once a month during long, dry periods without snow. Newly planted trees may need water more often. Water only when the ground is not frozen or too wet, and temperatures are above 40°F.

Should I water newly planted trees during winter?

Yes, you should water newly planted trees during winter when there has been little rain or snow, and the ground is not frozen. Their smaller root systems cannot reach as much water. A tree may need about one year to establish for every inch of trunk thickness.

Can I water trees when the ground is frozen?

No, you should not water trees when the ground is frozen. Water cannot soak properly into frozen soil and reach the roots. It can also run across the surface and freeze. Wait until the ground is unfrozen and able to absorb water.

Does snow provide enough water for trees and shrubs?

Yes, snow can provide enough water for trees and shrubs when there is enough snow and the melted water reaches the soil. Trees and shrubs may still need extra water during winters with little snow, long dry periods, or strong, drying winds.

Can Stewart's Lawn help with winter tree and shrub care in Utah?

Yes, Stewart’s Lawn can help with winter tree and shrub care in Utah. Our professional services include fertilization and care for insects, borers, diseases, and iron chlorosis. Specialists can evaluate winter damage and determine what professional care the tree or shrub needs.