Watering trees in winter is important when snow and winter rain isn’t providing enough hydration. Find out which trees to water and the best watering methods to use.
Luke Miller is an award-winning garden editor with 25+ years' experience in horticultural communications. He studied horticulture and became a Master Gardener and landscape designer.
Luke Miller is an award-winning garden editor with 25+ years' experience in horticultural communications. He studied horticulture and became a Master Gardener and landscape designer.
Limit or avoid irrigation on poorly draining sites because excess moisture can kill the roots of many tree species. If planting a tree on such a site, either improve the drainage first or plant a species that tolerates soggy soil.
A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch conserves moisture and acts as a blanket, lessening the freezing-thawing action that creates cracks in the ground. Those cracks dry out the soil and expose tree roots to injury or death. Organic mulches such as compost, humus, shredded leaves, or wood chips are best because they invite beneficial soil microbes and eventually feed the soil.