Winter Watering in the High Desert

Bubblers are great for slow winter watering 

Now that winter is just around the corner and many of you have turned your water systems off it is time to talk about winter watering. 
Here you go. 

Winter watering consists of a monthly soaking to the newly planted and established trees, as well as evergreens and larger shrubs during long periods of dry cold weather. This is the best way to ensure healthy and proper plant growth. Winter watering is not just for survival, but to help your plants thrive. We see that the result of prolonged periods of dry soils in the winter months can cause injury or death to parts of the root system. Plants that have been affected can seem perfectly normal only to resume growth in the spring, but they are using their stored energy. Some plants may be weakened to the point that some or all parts will die in the late spring and summer when temperatures increase. One way to help this situation is to choose plants that are suited for our region, and have better drought tolerance abilities. How well the water moves through your soil profile is important to know for good water management. It is equally important that the plant has stored nutrients for winter use.  

Here are a few key things to remember:

      

Water wands are a great way to water effectively

·      Water when there has not been measurable precipitation  for 3 to 4 weeks

·       If possible water when the temperatures are 40° or above.

·       Try to water between mid morning, and before 2:00 pm; this way the  water can saturate into the soil before freezing.

 

Water large trees with a soaker hose, its easy.

·       Use a soaker hose for long deep watering on your large shrubs and trees.

·       Trees, large shrubs, and newly planted material are the most important to water.

·        Drain your hose when you are
through to keep it from freezing and cracking.