Maybe you're a new homeowner with a brand-new outdoor space to care for, or maybe you have just recently decided to get more involved with the health and well-being of your lawn. As the winter months approach, you're not sure what to do. Do you keep mowing and watering? How much water does your lawn really need during the winter? Discover the truth about watering your grass and other plants during the cold months.
Dead Vs. Dormant
Trees, grass, and other plants may look dead during the winter, but in most cases, they are still very much alive. Trees do use water, even though their leaves have dried up and fallen off. Your grass is dormant, but it can still benefit from regular doses of water during all but the coldest parts of the winter.
Weather and Water
When you're deciding how often to water your yard and your trees during the winter, take into consideration the kind of climate in which you live. Do you get a lot of rain during the winter? Is your area subject to heavy snowfalls? If so, your plants will receive most of the water they need from the cycles of nature.
However, if the winters in your area are often dry, you'll need to give your lawn and tree roots a good, thorough soaking once a week or a couple of times a month. Try not to do the watering on windy days, when the breeze will dry up the moisture too quickly.
The Frost Factor
Avoid watering your plants right before a frost. Your grass and trees need about 24 hours to soak in the water before the frost arrives. If you're watering trees and shrubs with woody stems, add the water several inches from the trunk; otherwise ice could form on the trunk and damage the bark.
Once the ground freezes solid, stop watering your grass, trees, and plants until spring arrives. Make sure that you apply a thick layer of mulch to flowerbeds and around trees before the real frost sets in. If you have young trees and tender bushes, you may also want to stake them and cover them to prevent wind damage.
The Basic Rule
Expert gardeners recommend watering your soil at any time of the year if it is dry to the touch, as long as the wind isn't blowing too dramatically and the temperature is not below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. For additional information about watering solutions, irrigation, and plant care during the winter, contact Kurtz Bros., Inc. We'll be happy to supply you with the irrigation solutions, mulch, and other supplies you need to take care of your outdoor space throughout the winter.