Katherine Clarkson

Wyoming winters can be difficult for trees and perennials to survive. Though plants are dormant during the winter, it is imperative to water them to ensure they endure the long, cold months. The fierce sun’s rays, the furious winds and the absence of snow will dry the soil. These conditions, combined with sudden temperature fluctuations, leave your plants needing extra attention. Here are some winter watering tips to maintain vegetation and enable them to flourish in the spring. 

Provide water supplement from November to March once to twice a month. Focus on trees and shrubs that are in a sunny, windy area, newly planted trees and conifers. Conifers are evergreen trees with needle-like foliage. Water only when your ground is not frozen. To test the condition of your soil, thrust a screwdriver into the ground. 

If 4 inches or more sinks in easily and the air temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can water during the day, allowing the water to soak in before colder nighttime temperatures. Do not turn on your irrigation system during the winter to avoid freezing the pipes. To water a small space, use a pail filled from a frost-free outdoor hydrant, or your kitchen faucet. Pour the water slowly over the full root zone. A 5-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom can also be placed within the root zone of your plant and filled with water for a gentle soaking. For a large area with a couple of warm days predicted, use your garden hose. When finished, be sure to detach the hose from the faucet and drain thoroughly to avoid freezing. 

What is a root zone? The root zone is where the plants take up water. Plants pull water and nutrients up from that area into all the aerial parts. Aerial parts of the plant are those above the soil, which include the stems, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds. The root zone spreads out past the drip line of the plant. And the drip line is the area directly located under the outer circumference of the plant. 

Another way to maintain moisture in your soil is to add mulch on top of the area you watered. Apply mulch 2-4 inches deep and 1 inch from the plant trunk. The last winter watering tip is to make notes of your watering schedule. This will help determine if you need to make any adjustments during the succeeding season. 

To achieve healthy, lush, flourishing plants in the spring, winter watering is essential in our region. If you follow the above tips, your plants will thank you when our season warms.

Please reach out to me with questions at katherineclarkson2@gmail.com.