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Winter Watering of New Plantings 

Summary
Watering Tips
How Much to Water
How Often to Water
Stimulators

You may not think it, but plants need to be watered during the Winter months as well, although not at much as during Summer. In addition to the cold air and winds, freezing and thawing cycles also remove moisture from the soil which can effect the roots and foliage. Since the soil is on the drier side during the winter, plants that are well hydrated will survive the cold conditions and be stronger and more established come Spring. 

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WINTER WATERING TIPS

You are free to water any time during the winter as long as the soil is not frozen and temperatures are above freezing AT THE TIME OF WATERING. It does not matter if the temps fall below freezing after watering because frozen water in the soil will not harm the plants. 

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Plants that have been installed within the last year are most at risk, so paying special attention to these important. Evergreens can also suffer because they lose more moisture during the winter. 

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Always apply water over the root ball and never on the branches or leaves. The tree only gains nutrients at the base, root ball, so watering the leaves does nothing for it. 

Please check out our chart below on correct watering methods!

Container Trees (6).png

HOW MUCH TO WATER

Trees obtain water best when it is allowed to soak into the soil slowly and at a depth of about 12". To ensure you are giving your tree enough water, check out the image below. 

Step 1 Measure the trunk of the tree (1).png

Shrubs require more water than established shrubs that have been planted for at least a year. Assuming the shrubs have mulch to help retain moisture, in dry winters, watering shrubs from October-March. 

Apply 5 gallons 2x a month for newly planted shrubs.

Small shrubs (less than 3' tall) should receive 5 gallons a month. Tall shrubs ( 6' or taller) require 18 gallons monthly. 

Water around the base of the shrub. 

HOW OFTEN TO WATER

This depends on the types of plants, the soil, and weather conditions. However, a soaking every two to four weeks is normally sufficient. When in doubt, probe the soil using a screw driver or metal rod to see if the root ball has moist soil. When the soil is dry, reapply water according to the recommendations above. 

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Plants most likely to suffer from winter moisture shortages are 

  • Fall-established lawns

  • Young trees and shrubs ( 5 years or less )

  • Evergreens  

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For more information, 

you can call the store at 417-882-5200, email us at carsons6607@gmail.com, or send us a message on Google or Facebook!

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STIMULATORS

Be sure to apply a root stimulator after planting and watering. We recommend 3 applications, 2-3 weeks apart. The root stimulator is mixed at a ratio of

3.5 Tablespoons per gallon of water. 

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