Dry air, low precipitation, little soil moisture, and fluctuating temperatures are characteristics of winter in many areas of Colorado. Often there is little or no snow to provide soil moisture from October through March. Trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns under these conditions may be damaged if they do not receive supplemental water. The result of long, dry periods during fall and winter is injury or death to parts of plant root systems. Plants may be weakened and all or parts may die in late spring or summer when temperatures rise.
Watering is a critical tool for minimizing stress to trees in areas receiving low precipitation and drying winds. Properly watering your trees can help protect against branch dieback, disease and insect infestation.
Water trees, shrubs, lawns and perennials during prolonged dry periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant.
Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover.
Established large trees have a root spread equal to or greater than the height of the tree. Apply water to the most critical part of the root zone within the dripline.