Grow with Harvester: Winter Watering

When winter settles over Colorado, many homeowners think their landscaping chores are over until spring. After all, sprinklers are blown out and the garden hose is stored, right? But here’s a crucial secret we share with all our clients: your plants still get thirsty in winter. In our dry Colorado climate, winter watering can mean the difference between a thriving landscape and a yard full of winter-killed brown come summer. I’m writing to you as a Harvester team member who’s seen too many folks lose new trees or patches of lawn because of parched winter conditions. The good news is, a little knowledge and effort during the cold months will protect your investment in your landscape. Let’s walk through why winter watering matters so much here, and how to do it safely and effectively.

Why Winter Watering is Essential in Colorado

Colorado’s fall and winter weather is notoriously dry. From roughly October through March, we often get very low precipitation, dry air, and intermittent warm-cold swings – sometimes there’s little to no snow cover for weeks on end. Meanwhile, even though your plants look like they’re “sleeping,” their roots and evergreen foliage can suffer damage if they don’t get moisture during these long dry spells. Winter watering is especially critical for newer plantings, lawns, and any high-value plants you want to ensure survive until spring. Here’s why:

• Newly planted trees and shrubs (those put in the ground in the last year or two) have smaller, shallower root systems that can dry out quickly. They haven’t extended deep taproots yet, so they rely on moisture in the upper soil layers. If that soil stays bone-dry for months, portions of their root system can die back. Come spring, these plants might leaf out using stored energy, but then suddenly decline when the heat arrives because their compromised roots can’t keep up. We’ve seen it happen: a young tree looks fine in April, then the first hot June day it wilts and drops leaves – a classic sign of winter kill from drought.

• Turf and seeded areas are also vulnerable. This is especially true for new lawns (seed or sod laid in the last growing season) and for grass on south or west exposures where winter sun and wind dry the ground faster. Without moisture, grass roots can desiccate. Lawns might green up briefly in spring, but then develop brown patches in late spring or early summer because parts of the turf died over winter. Additionally, in Colorado we have a tiny pest called winter mites that love dry, south-facing lawns – they can do a number on turf that isn’t watered, leaving you with dead patches by spring. Simply watering a lawn during winter dry spells is the best way to prevent mite damage and winter kill, keeping that lawn intact and reducing what you’ll need to reseed or repair later.

• Native seed areas or wildflower meadows that were seeded in the fall depend on winter moisture to initiate germination in spring. Many homeowners sow native grasses or flowers in late fall (a practice called dormant seeding) so that seeds will soak up snowmelt and rain and sprout when temperatures warm. This strategy can save a lot of water compared to spring seeding because you let nature do the early watering. However, if we hit a prolonged dry stretch in winter with no snow, even those seeds might benefit from a light watering to keep the topsoil moist. You don’t want them to actually germinate in winter (they won’t if the soil is cold), but you also don’t want them so dry that they lose viability or blow away. So, a gentle winter watering can ensure your future wildflower patch stays on track.

• Evergreen trees and shrubs (like pines, spruces, firs, junipers, and even broadleaf evergreens like holly or boxwood) absolutely require winter moisture. Unlike deciduous plants, evergreens don’t drop all their foliage – they continue to lose water through their needles or leaves all winter long. When the ground is frozen or dry, they can’t take up enough water to replace what’s lost, leading to winter burn. Have you ever seen an evergreen with brown, crispy needle tips or entire sections browned out by spring? That’s often from dehydration in winter. In fact, many popular evergreens in Colorado (blue spruce, arborvitae, yews, etc.) are highly prone to winter desiccation if not watered. Newer evergreens and those planted in exposed windy areas are at highest risk. If you water the soil around them during winter warm spells, you give their roots something to drink and help them fend off the drying winds.

• Perennials and groundcovers can also suffer if left completely dry. They might be “sleeping” above ground, but their root systems can be damaged by lack of moisture combined with freeze-thaw cycles. This is especially true for late-season transplants (perennials you planted in late fall) or those in sunny, wind-prone spots. A bit of winter watering, plus mulching, can prevent the soil from gapping and roots from getting exposed to frigid air. The result is a fuller, healthier flower bed in spring, without mysterious dead patches where plants didn’t make it.

In short, Colorado’s winter drought stress is a silent killer. The injury happens underground and invisibly – roots dry out in December or January, but you might not realize it until months later. By then, the damage is done and you’re looking at stunted, struggling plants. That’s why we urge proactive winter watering. It’s like insurance for your landscape. And the cost (a bit of your time or a small service fee) is far less than replacing trees, re-sodding lawns, or nursing sick plants later. Remember, many of these plants are investments that, with proper care, will live for decades. A little water now helps ensure they thrive for the long haul.

When and How to Water in Winter

Winter watering in Colorado isn’t an everyday thing – it’s periodic and done under the right conditions. Here’s our guide (and what we at Harvester follow when caring for clients’ properties):

Watch the Weather: The rule of thumb is to water during extended dry periods when temperatures allow. Specifically, only water when the air temperature is above 40°F, the soil is unfrozen enough to absorb water, and there’s no snow cover on the ground. Typically, this means a milder day in mid-morning or early afternoon. You might get a window like this once or twice a month in winter. In Colorado’s Front Range, it’s common to have stretches of sunny, 45°F winter days in between cold snaps – those are ideal for watering. If the ground is snow-covered or frozen solid, hold off (the water won’t penetrate and can just freeze into ice). Also avoid watering right before a deep freeze night; you want the water to soak in, not turn to surface ice.

Frequency: Plan to water approximately once per month during winter for established landscapes, and twice per month for newly planted or very vulnerable areas. This is a general guideline – Mother Nature might adjust the schedule. For example, if December brought decent snowfall and some rain, you might skip watering that month. But if January and February are bone dry with no significant snow, water both months (or even every 3-4 weeks). Another tip: do the screwdriver test – push a long screwdriver or soil probe into the ground; if it penetrates easily and comes out moist, the soil has some moisture. If you can’t get it in more than a few inches because the soil is hard and dry, it’s time to water.

Timing in the day: Aim for late morning through early afternoon when possible. On a suitable winter day, temperatures often peak around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watering at mid-day ensures the water can percolate into the soil before nighttime freezing. You don’t want to create an icy rink on your lawn or driveway, so avoid evening watering when the temperature drops. After you water, disconnect your hose from the spigot and drain it so it doesn’t freeze and crack. Safety is key: watch out for any water runoff that could freeze on walkways – if needed, sprinkle some sand for traction on any wet areas that might ice over later.

How to apply water: Since your sprinkler system is likely winterized (and it should stay off until spring), you’ll be using a garden hose and some kind of sprinkler attachment or soaker hose. Many homeowners simply hook up a sprinkler to a hose and manually water zones of the yard. That’s perfectly fine. Others use a soaker hose snaked around trees and beds for a slower deep soak. Do not turn on your in-ground irrigation system (even if we get a random 70° day in January) – those lines need to stay blown out to avoid freeze damage. Instead, use portable watering tools.

For trees and large shrubs, target the critical root zone. This is roughly from just outside the trunk to the extent of the branches (“dripline”) and a bit beyond. A deep watering wand or “root feeder” can be useful; these attach to your hose and inject water 6-8 inches deep into the soil. If you use one, don’t push deeper than about 8 inches to avoid wasting water below the root zone. Otherwise, a regular sprinkler aimed at the tree’s dripline works too. Water slowly and thoroughly – you want the moisture to sink about 12 inches deep for trees. For instance, you might let a soaker hose run around a medium-sized tree for 30-60 minutes, moving it around a couple of times. As a general guide, apply about 10 gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter over the course of a month. So if you have a young tree 2 inches in diameter, give it roughly 20 gallons in total for the month (split between two waterings of ~10 gallons each). For shrubs, a common recommendation is ~5 gallons for a newly planted shrub (per watering, twice a month) or a few gallons monthly for established ones.

For lawns and groundcover areas, a portable sprinkler attached to a hose is easiest. Place it in one area, let it run until that area gets maybe a half inch of water, then move it. Remember, lawns only need water in winter if it’s been about three or more weeks without moisture. Focus on those south or west facing sections that dry out fastest. You don’t need to soak like you would in summer; about half the typical summer irrigation amount is sufficient in winter. The goal is just to rehydrate the top 6 inches of soil. If you see runoff, stop and let it soak in, then continue – cold dry soil can be slow to accept water, so gentle cycle-watering (water, pause, water again) helps prevent waste.

One more trick: mulch is your friend in winter. If you have good mulch around trees and in flower beds (a couple of inches of wood chips or compost), it will conserve whatever moisture you provide. So keep those areas mulched year-round; it makes your winter watering more efficient by reducing evaporation and insulating the soil a bit.

Don’t Overlook the Winter Thirst

It’s easy to forget about our landscapes in winter. After all, we’re busy shoveling snow or enjoying the holidays, and the garden hoses are coiled in the garage. But consistent winter watering is a simple step that yields big rewards. Your plants will thank you with a burst of healthy growth in spring and a robust show all summer. Skipping it, on the other hand, can set your landscape back significantly. At Harvester, we include winter watering checks in our maintenance plans because we’ve learned it’s just that important. We’ve seen the difference: clients who water in winter have noticeably lusher lawns and gardens come April and May than those who don’t. It’s like giving your yard a drink when it’s most parched – the payoff is a greener, stronger landscape.

A few final winter watering best practices to keep in mind:

• Choose the right day: Pick a mild, sunny day (40°F or above) after a dry spell. Avoid the day before a big freeze or snowstorm.

• Water mid-morning to mid-day: This ensures water soaks in and doesn’t freeze on the surface overnight.

• Use proper equipment: A simple oscillating sprinkler or soaker hose works well. Remember to shut off and drain hoses after use.

• Don’t water frozen ground: If your probe or screwdriver can’t penetrate, the ground might be too frozen – wait for a thaw.

• Mind your safety: Watch for any pooling water that could ice up on sidewalks or driveways. It’s okay if water freezes in the soil (where it won’t harm plants), but we don’t want ice where people walk or where it could crack your foundation. Spread out the watering to avoid any big puddles.

• Prioritize new and vulnerable plants: If you’re short on time or water, focus on the baby trees, freshly planted perennials, that new sod patch, and any cherished plants you’d hate to lose. Established native plants can often tolerate more dryness, but even they appreciate a sip now and then.

By following these practices, you’re doing winter watering the smart way – efficiently, safely, and effectively.

Harvester is Here to Help with Winter Care

We understand that every property is different. You might be wondering, “Do my trees need watering this winter?” or “How often should I water my specific lawn?” – and that’s where personalized advice comes in. Harvester offers customized seasonal care plans for Colorado homeowners and land stewards just like you. Winter watering is actually one of our favorite topics to educate clients on, because it’s so often overlooked. Whether you have us on a year-round maintenance program or just need a one-time winter check, we’re happy to assist. We can walk your property and point out which spots need a mid-winter drink, or even do the watering for you if you’re away soaking up the sun in warmer climes (lucky you!).

The bottom line: Don’t let Colorado’s dry winter steal the life from your landscape. With a little planning and a helping hand from Harvester, you can protect your plants through the coldest months and set them up for a vibrant spring. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or want more guidance tailored to your yard, please reach out and connect with us. We’re a local team that knows the ins and outs of our climate, and we’re passionate about helping your landscape thrive year-round.

So bundle up, grab that hose on the next warm winter day, and give your beloved plants a refreshing drink. They’ll return the favor with beauty and growth when the seasons turn. And as always, Harvester is here for you – for winter watering tips, for seasonal maintenance, or just to chat about your landscape goals.

Drop us a line or give us a call; we’d love to help you nurture your Colorado landscape, even in the heart of winter. Here’s to healthy roots and a blooming future!