In dry winters, all shrubs benefit from winter watering from October through March. Apply 5 gallons two times per month for a newly planted shrub. Small established shrubs (less than 3 feet tall) should receive 5 gallons monthly. Large established shrubs (more than 6 feet) require 18 gallons on a monthly basis.
Despite the fact your plants are dormant and brown, they should still be watered periodically. Plants that remain dehydrated in winter months often don't survive until spring. Not only does this create extra landscaping costs in warmer months, it can actually damage your plumbing.
1. General Watering Timeline: If you haven't received precipitation in winter, it's crucial to water your plants. With dry weather, once a month winter watering is suggested. If the dry weather continues, you may need to go to twice-monthly watering.
Wind down the water as temperatures begin to drop below 40 degrees. Most summer annual plants will freeze and die with the first or second hard frost. As always, irrigate your perennials and annuals in the morning when you can! That way, the soil has time to soak it all in before temperatures drop in the evening.
Although trees and shrubs are dormant during winter, they still need water to survive.
Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
Evergreens continue producing chlorophyll during the winter, so they will need water all winter long. New evergreens will especially need to be watered since their roots are not as established. While snow adds some water, it isn't enough.
ANSWER: If the weather has been dry, it is important to thoroughly water your landscape plants before a freeze occurs. Plants that are drought-stressed often suffer more injury during freezes; however, watering does not actually provide any protection to tender plants.
The best time to water a tree or shrub is when the top 6 to 9 inches of soil in the root zone are dry. Using a spade or hand trowel, dig a small hole under the plant canopy and feel the soil. If the soil is cool and moist 6 to 9 inches below the surface, no water is needed. If the soil is dry, it is time to water.
Plants can go to a maximum of a week without water, however, some plants can go for even longer periods of time, such as for two weeks or even a month. It would depend on the type of plant and its drought tolerance level.
As mentioned earlier, watering plants several hours before a freeze is the first defense against damage. During a temporary cold snap, cover entire shrubs with burlap, sheets or blankets for insulation. For the best protection, use a frame to prevent the covering from touching the plants.
Shrubs in Ground
If you live in a harsh winter climate, you should do the following: Add 2–3" of mulch, leaves, or pine/fir boughs around the base of the plant. A heavy snow cover will also help insulate and protect the plant through the winter.
To protect shrubs from snow damage, tie up branches with jute twine. For new plantings, wrap the shrub in burlap and tie with twine for protection from both wind and snow.
Avoid watering when temperatures are below 40°F or when sustained freezing temperatures are expected within 24 hours as this water will freeze and not be available to the plants.
Overwatering, in simple terms, drowns your plant. Healthy soil allows for oxygen to exist in the space between particles of soil. If there is too much water or the soil is constantly wet, there is not enough air pockets. This results in a limited oxygen supply and plants are not able to breathe.
During the growing season, do not over-water. When you water, soak the soil approximately 12 inches deep. Wet the entire root area, which extends out to as much as three times the limb spread. Newly transplanted trees and shrubs need water more often than established ones.
Plants growing in soil that is too wet suffer from a lack of oxygen which leads to the death of roots and a loss of vigor in the plant. Stunted slow growth with yellowing leaves is a symptom of over watering. Plants may suffer from leaf scorch or leaf burn.
A new tree or shrub should be watered daily for the first two weeks after planting, then twice to three times per week during the first three months, and weekly after that for the remainder of the first growing season. In the second growing season, water it at least once every two weeks in the absence of rain.
The best time to water plants is in the morning or evening.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.
To protect plants from frost, you will need to cover them to keep the moisture from freezing. While an unexpected frost can leave many gardeners scrambling to find anything to cover their tender plants; it is important to use the right materials.
Answer: Newly emerged tree and shrub foliage is susceptible to damage from below freezing temperatures. The new growth on many trees and shrubs can tolerate temperatures in the low 30s and upper 20s. Freeze damage is most likely when temperatures drop into the middle 20s or below.
The easiest way to protect from a freeze is simply by covering plants with a sheet or a blanket. This acts like insulation, keeping warm air from the ground around the plant.
Make sure to watch the temperature outside, you do not want to water your trees in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is no snow or ice near the tree. If the temperature is below freezing, not only will these cause issues with your sprinkler system, but they can cause damage to your tree's roots.