In winter, should you water trees and plants less or more?

Question

Or how often should you water outside trees in the winter?

Answer 1

Less. In the winter most trees lose their leaves so they are not prone to losing a lot of water. In addition the metabolism is very slow, again, reducing the need for water. When you do water try to do it when the ground temp is above freezing so the liquid water will get to the roots. They can't suck up ice. A couple of times a month is adequate. If there is snow cover that is melting forget the water. Nature is taking care of you.

The plants that stay green all winter require a little more water (like holly, rhodos, azaleas, pines, spruces, etc.) because some water will evaporate (or sublimate) from the leaves or needles as the frigid dry air blows through them. Water them no more than every 2 weeks and again, if nature is doing it for you, lay off.

NOTE: One additional thing that can be of great help to the second group of plants that stay green all winter is the application of an anti-desiccant like Wilt-Pruf. If you apply in late Nov it will reduce the water leaving the leaves for the rest of the winter. It's a good way to prevent dehydration damage, especially in cold winters.

Answer 2

I lived in upstate NY and worked at a public garden up there... we never watered any of the plants outside in the winter, they just don't need it, plus it could damage the roots if it freezes.

Now, in Florida or other states that stay warm in the winter, then I say yes you should water your plants. Your plants will not need as much water as they do in the summer, so cut back on watering in the winter.

Don't water your plants in the winter, unless they are inside your house.

Answer 3

most trees die in winter because of lack of water. water them just the same amount. if they are in the ground they will get all they need from the ground. if there is a dry winter water them once a month.

Answer 4

In winter I don't need to water my plants and trees that are in the ground, but do need to water, occasionally, the ones that I keep in pots.

Answer 5

In the winter, you should water considerably less.. I set my irrigation to water once a week where I am.. Even though the weather is cold.. or even freezing, plants still have to live.

Answer 6

You don't have to water outside trees in the winter if they are in their natural habitat, or grown naturaly in your area.

Answer 7

I have to laugh at this question, because it illustrates the importance of saying where you live, or what growing zone you are in, when you ask a question. I live in Maine, where everything is under a foot or two of snow in winter.

Answer 8

less when the snow comes it waters itself don t water when it gets real cold because it will freesz e and then kill whatever it is you wattered

Answer 9

less, but don't let them go into drought conditions...they still need a small amount of water if they are in hibernation.

Answer 10

no need to water