During the winter months, homeowners may notice their lawns, trees, and shrubs struggling to survive until spring. Experts recommend watering landscape plants periodically during the colder season, even when they appear dormant and brown.
“Even though landscape plants are dormant and brown, they should be watered periodically in the winter, especially during stretches of dry weather,” according to guidance released this week.
Residents are reminded that wastewater bills are calculated based on water usage from December 1 through the end of February. This means that water consumption during these months can affect utility costs for the rest of the year.
The recommended schedule is to water one to two times per month from November through April. The most critical period for watering is in March and April when new roots begin to form. Watering should be done on warm days when air temperatures rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and soil is not frozen. Midday is suggested as the best time so water can soak into the ground before temperatures drop again at night. If recent precipitation has already moistened the soil deeply, homeowners can wait several weeks before watering again.
Priority should be given to newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Established lawns and trees located in sunny or exposed areas also require attention. However, certain plants such as cacti, succulents, buffalo grass, blue grama, and very low-water xeriscape species do not need winter watering.
A hose-end sprinkler or watering wand is advised since automatic systems are typically turned off in winter. Water should be applied slowly to allow it to soak in thoroughly. To determine how long to water each area, place cups near plants being watered; continue until there is between half an inch and one inch of water collected in each cup. After use, hoses should be detached from spigots to prevent freeze damage.
There is also a warning about tree and shrub roots seeking moisture during dry periods: “Shrubs and trees that don’t receive regular water will search for hydration on their own—often in your wastewater pipes.” Homeowners are responsible for service lines and advised to have pipes checked at least annually—especially if living in older neighborhoods with mature trees—to avoid costly repairs caused by root intrusion.
