When should be the last time I fed and water my roses and trees?

Question

I have not water or feed my trees and roses for awhile and I was wondering if it is too late in the year to water them and will it kill the plants if the soil is wet then freezes?

Answer 1

The general rule is to stop feeding in mid-August in areas where winters are cold (you don't say where you live!!!) for reasons already explained. As for watering, trees and shrubs have gone dormant and further watering is not necessary. In fact, if these are established plants, they need no watering. Unless you have a prolongued drought next year, let Ma Nature take care of their water needs. This will force the roots to grow deep in search of moisture, which is what you want.

Answer 2

It's never too late to water, but if you're in North America, then it's already too late for fertilizer. You want to put fertilizer onto your plants during the growing season. If you put it on them this late, then it encourages growth that won't become cold hardy in time for the cold snaps...plus, it also prevents them from naturally going dormant for the winter and thus makes them vulnerable to the cold tempuratures.

Watering on the other hand is a good thing in the winter, so long as you're not watering exactly when freezing weather occurs, and as long as you don't overwater. Watering 8 to 48 hours before a hard freeze can help plants that might otherwise be damaged by a particularly hard freeze make it through unscathed. Plants don't need much water in winter, but they do still need some, and watch out for overwatering because you can waterlog your plant's roots. Also, water enough in advance of a cold front so that the parts of the plants above ground will dry before freezing weather hits, since ice will potentially damage any plant tissue it's in contact with.

Answer 3

Plants in a 4 season climate no longer need fertilzier. The plants became dormant sometime in August. Plants require one inch of water per week so if you havent had any rain give them a little drink If you are close to winter, do not worry about heavy watering or fertilzing. The plants are going to sleep now and their requirments are few. Prune the dead canes off your roses and mulch heavily. Let your trees be for now. Prune your trees in Jan or Feb when they are completely dormant.

Answer 4

Is it in a pot or the ground?? If in the pot and soil is dry..then water...if it is in the ground and you are getting rain and the soil is not real dry..then wait!! No feeding the rose now...you are not wanting it to grow but to do its winter rest..no more feeling till spring!! And if you rose is in a pot you need winter protection!