For many homeowners, it’s only natural to start packing the gardening tools away once the first frost starts settling in. The hoses are coiled, the sprinklers are drained, and very often your focus shifts from landscaping to snow removal. There is a pervasive misconception that once the ground freezes, the garden goes into a state of complete suspended animation. Once winter comes in earnest, no further attention until the spring thaw, or so the misconception goes. However, this is indeed a mistaken assumption, and one that can prove detrimental to the long-term health of your landscape.
Your trees, particularly any newly-planted ones, do not simply turn off when it gets cold; dormancy isn’t a switch to activate instantly. While they do enter a period of dormancy, their roots remain alive and require moisture to survive the harsh elements. Winter drought is a silent stressor that often goes unnoticed until it is too late; preparing early by providing early fall care for your trees is a must for getting them through winter. To ensure your trees survive the season with vigour, consider the following points regarding winter hydration.
1. Understand the Risk of Desiccation
The primary enemy of trees during the winter is desiccation, or extreme drying. Winter air is often exceptionally dry, and cold winds can strip moisture from tree branches and trunks faster than the roots can replenish it. This is particularly dangerous when the ground is frozen solid, effectively locking away the moisture in the soil. If the tree enters the winter with dry roots, it lacks the internal reserves to withstand months of freezing temperatures. The result is often root damage, which itself may only manifest in late spring as dieback or stunted growth.
2. Prioritize Your Evergreens
While all trees need moisture, coniferous trees (such as pines, spruces, and cedars) are at the highest risk; consequently, evergreens need plenty of prep to get them ready for winter. Because they retain their needles year-round, they continue to transpire and lose water through their foliage, even in the middle of January. If you notice needles turning a rusty brown or red colour on one side of the tree in early spring, this is likely “winter burn.” This occurs when the foliage dries out completely because the roots are unable to pull enough moisture from the frozen earth to replace what was lost to the wind.
3. Monitor Weather Windows for Watering
You obviously cannot water your trees when the ambient temperature is well below freezing; in that case the water will simply turn to ice on the surface instead of seeping into the ground. Instead, think like a weather strategist. Look for chinooks or mild spells where the temperature rises above 4 degrees Celsius. During these thaw periods, the soil surface softens, allowing water to penetrate. This is your opportunity to provide a supplemental drink and let your trees hydrate a little. If the winter has been brown (meaning very little snow cover) this manual watering becomes critical, as there is no snowpack to act as a future water source when the snow melts, or insulate the roots from the cold.
4. Apply the Water Correctly
Simply spraying the trunk with a hose is insufficient for watering a tree properly. Knowing how to water your trees properly can make all the difference for their health, especially during dry periods like winter. Watering is ideally aimed at the critical root zone, which extends to the drip line (i.e. the outer circumference of the tree’s branches). Use a soaker hose or a slow trickle from a garden hose to allow the water to seep deep into the ground. The goal is to moisten the soil to a depth of roughly 20 to 30 centimetres. If the ground is hard, go slowly to prevent runoff. For younger trees, a slow-release watering bag can be effective during these mild spells.
5. Use Mulch as a Moisture Trap
If you have not already done so, applying a layer of organic mulch is one of the best defenses against winter drought; just be sure to brush up on proper mulching technique to ensure your tree is getting appropriate care. A layer of wood chips or bark roughly 5 to 10 centimetres thick acts as a blanket for the soil. This insulation moderates soil temperatures, preventing rapid freeze-thaw cycles that can heave new roots out of the ground. More importantly, it retains soil moisture, reducing evaporation and keeping the available water accessible to the roots for a longer period. Ensure the mulch is spread in a donut shape, keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.
6. Focus on Recent Transplants
Mature, established trees with vast root systems are generally resilient and can scavenge for water deep in the earth. However, trees planted within the last two to three years are incredibly vulnerable. Their root systems are still limited and shallow. If you must prioritize your time, focus your winter watering efforts on these new additions. A little effort in January and February ensures they wake up healthy in May.
The arrival of winter doesn’t mean you have to stop your landscape care; in fact, you shouldn’t. By a little care and attention to the weather and your trees’ needs, particularly for evergreens and new transplants, you safeguard your trees, allowing them to continue standing as time passes. A small amount of preventative maintenance during the dormant season ensures a lush, vibrant garden returns when spring temperatures finally arrive.
When you need a provider for shade and privacy trees for your home, Caledon Treeland is at your service. We provide a wide range of different tree species to meet a variety of our clients’ needs, ensuring you have a tree that fits your yard and your environment. Call us now at (905) 880-1828 and make an appointment to see our tree farm for yourself.