Should You Water Conifers in Winter?
Yes, you need to water conifers in winter, especially when it’s dry, because they lose moisture through their needles but can’t absorb water from frozen ground.
So, this topic came up while chatting with Desmond Corn, a Berger Hargis consultant and landscaping expert. I’m not an expert on conifers. I wasn’t even sure what a conifer is. Is it a pine tree? Yes, a pine tree is a conifer, but not all conifers are pine trees. They’re cone-bearing trees and shrubs such as pines, spruces, firs, cedars, and junipers.
I don’t have any conifers in my yard or in the woods behind my home, so I did a deep dive on this topic. For example, Purdue University Extension and Winter Tree Watering Tips – Arbor Day Foundation, share a lot of excellent information on the topic.
Why Should You Water Conifers in Winter?
The bottom line is simple. You should water conifers in winter to keep them healthy. Conifers continue photosynthesis throughout the winter and lose water through their needles, but their roots can’t absorb water from frozen soil, leading to drying out. Please note that dry fall conditions worsen winter damage, making watering crucial.
Watering conifers in winter is essential because evergreens do not fully go dormant; they continue to lose moisture through their needles during the cold months. If the ground is frozen, roots cannot replace the water they lose, leading to winter burn, where the needles turn yellow, brown, or a burnt reddish color. Winter burn can permanently damage your trees if left untreated.
When Should You Water?
Only water when temperatures are above 40°F, and do not water when the ground is frozen or covered in snow and ice. For example, just last week in Indianapolis, it reached 67°F and then bottomed in the teens the next day. So, water on the warm days. If the weather allows, water every 3-4 weeks, or up to twice a month. It’s best to water during the early afternoon so the moisture has time to soak into the soil before temperatures drop and the ground freezes.
How Should You Water?
Water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth, ensuring moisture reaches at least 12 inches down. Water the entire root zone, which extends to the drip line (outer edge of branches). Use a slow hose trickle, soaker hose, or drip bags; avoid runoff. A general guideline would be to apply 10 gallons of water for every inch of trunk diameter per month
Pro Tip — Before watering, dig down 4-6 inches; if it’s dry, water
Pro Tip Two — Keep a close eye on trees planted within the last 1–3 years, since they have limited root systems and are more susceptible to winter drought. Also, be aware that some species are high risk. Yew, Arborvitae, and Hemlock are particularly prone to winter browning and require more consistent monitoring.
By keeping a close eye on your conifers, watering deeply on warm days, and focusing on newly planted trees, you will be rewarded with beautiful, healthy conifers year-round.
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About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
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Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash
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