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Winter Watering
7/12/2008
Linda Langelo
Horticulture Program
Coordinator
Colorado State University Extension
Golden Plains
Area |
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Drought-injured plants in general do not show any symptoms until
the next growing season. Even then, the trees or plants can leaf out, flower
and seem perfectly healthy. It is not until the stored food reserves are gone
that the tree starts to show signs of dying. Then the branches may start to
wither and part of the crown may be affected with browning which is a sign of
even deeper root damage.
Once the weakening of the tree begins, it
becomes susceptible to insects and disease. Recently, during local site visits,
elms were identified as having scale and borers as well as wetwood disease.
These were only secondary problems. The real problem was due to drought. These
trees, like many others in the area, were not receiving any additional water
and there has been no significant water supply in the soil. As our trees begin
to use their limited energy reserves, they are dying.
In this region, we
love our shade trees. And if the summer droughts aren't hard enough, the fall
and winter droughts can be even worse. In the summer, trees can give us clues,
like dropping leaves or wilting. During the winter, the deciduous trees have no
signs to alert us of their water stress.
It is very important to water
everything well before the cold weather. To keep trees from being drought
stressed, water at the dripline and to a depth of 12 to 24 inches. During the
winter, water only when the soil is not frozen and the air temperatures are
above freezing. This means earlier in the day after sun-up so the tree can
utilize the moisture before sun-down and freezing temperatures.
The key
to overcoming drought stress is to water heavily in the fall and then water
once or twice a month throughout the winter months, especially during extended
dry periods.
The plants most susceptible to drought injury are those
which are shallow rooted. Norway, silver, red, Rocky Mountain and hybrid maples
are all affected. Lindens, alders, hornbeams, dogwoods, mountain ashes, plus
European white and paper birches also make up this list. Among the evergreens
are spruce, fir, arborvitae, yew, Oregon grape-holly and Manhattan euonymous
which should be watered through dry winters. This season, spruce and junipers
topped the list for the most drought stressed trees, especially those use in
windbreaks.
Save the trees by watering them in the proper place and at
the proper time. Contact your local extension office for more
information. |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
7/17/2008 |
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