Winter Watering 101: A Must for Healthy Landscapes

Winter Watering 101: A Must for Healthy Landscapes

What Is Winter Watering?

Winter watering refers to the practice of manually irrigating your landscape during the colder months—typically from late October through March—when natural precipitation is insufficient. While plants may appear dormant, their root systems remain active and require moisture to survive Denver’s dry winter conditions.

Why Winter Watering Matters

Denver’s semi-arid climate poses unique challenges:

• Low humidity and minimal precipitation: Humidity levels often dip below 15%, and snowfall doesn’t provide enough water—1 foot of snow equals just 1 inch of moisture.
  
• Frequent dry spells: Despite cold temperatures, Denver experiences long stretches of sunny, dry weather. These conditions can lead to winter drought, stressing plants and causing root damage.
  
• High elevation and intense sun: With nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, even in winter, evaporation rates are high, further depleting soil moisture.

Without supplemental watering, your landscape may suffer long-term damage, especially newly planted trees and shrubs, which are more vulnerable to dehydration.

Best Practices for Winter Watering

To keep your landscape healthy through the winter, follow these tips:

• Water during dry spells: If there’s been no significant precipitation for 3+ weeks, it’s time to water.
  
• Choose the right time: Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40°F and there’s no snow cover.
  
• Focus on the root zone: Apply water at the “drip line”—the outer edge of a plant’s branches—to reach the most critical part of the root system.
  
• Use slow, deep watering: A few gallons per plant go a long way. Avoid shallow watering that evaporates quickly.
  
• Prioritize evergreens and newly planted trees: These are especially susceptible to winter drought stress.

Let Designs By Sundown Handle It For You

Winter watering can be time-consuming and easy to overlook—but it’s vital for preserving your investment in your landscape. That’s where we come in.

Our expert maintenance team at Designs by Sundown offers professional winter watering services throughout the season. We monitor weather patterns, assess your property’s unique needs, and ensure your plants get the hydration they need to thrive come spring.

Sign up today to schedule winter watering and protect your landscape from Denver’s harsh winter conditions. Let us do the work—so your garden wakes up healthy and vibrant in the spring.