Winter Watering Revisited for Frederick Colorado area landscapes January 2025

Winter Watering Revisited

Frederick, Colorado area landscapes {Monthly Series}

It has been 13 years since addressing winter watering techniques in this blog. Most of the winter watering information was buried at the end of this article <https://glacierviewlandscape.com/2012/07/04/brighton-colorado-watering-yourlandscape/> but it might be a good time to refresh the ideas for a January article that focuses only on winter watering of our Frederick Colorado landscapes.

First off, winter watering is important, but not necessarily needed every year. It depends on the amount of snow received and at the right times. The general rule of thumb has not changed: Water your younger trees and shrubs if we go 3 weeks without snow around the bases of your plants. Older, more established trees and shrubs don’t need winter watering. These are plants that are 10 years old or older. North sides of houses, north sides of fences, and shaded areas will not need water as often, but the same rule applies. So, when watering, you may not have to water everything, only the trees and shrubs that are more exposed to heat, sunlight, and have unfrozen ground. Also, don’t be fooled by light and very dry snow that blows away. Heavy, wet snow insures thorough soaking of plant roots as it falls and then melts, and the very dry January snows often don’t provide much moisture. If in doubt, stick a shovel or finger into the unfrozen soil to see if there is any moisture present. Dry winter winds can desiccate soil quickly.

It is a tedious job in winter to drag the hose around and then to drain the hose afterwards. However, a few hours a winter could save hundreds or thousands of dollars in replacement costs for plants. Perennial flowers and small ornamental grasses need water too, but not as often as trees and shrubs. Usually one or two good soaks for perennials over the winter is fine. Lawns are usually fine throughout the winter, unless we have an extended drought period with absolutely no moisture. Then it is best to set up a sprinkler and get the lawn wet, once, thoroughly, on a warm and calm day (no wind). Do not water anything if temperatures are below 40 degrees. It is best to water when temperatures are in the mid 50’s or higher. Do not water on frozen ground. Though it won’t hurt anything, it just wastes water. Continue to water over the winter every 3 weeks as needed until ample spring storms bring natural precipitation. A good rain or snow in early March goes a long way because plants don’t process very much water when not leafed out. Once the good March snow or rain hits, put the hose away and wait until you activate your irrigation system in April.

Find other articles on watering, irrigation and plant care throughout this blog.

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