01/16/2026
Since this winter has been unseasonably warm and dry, here are some watering tips from , based on best practices from , , and
Which plants need watering?
1. Evergreen Trees/Shrubs and Conifers
2. Newly planted trees still being established.
3. Perennials planted in the fall or that were bare root planted in the last year.
4. Plants located in windy and/or southern or western exposure.
5. Plants getting reflected heat off of walls, buildings, or fences.
When to water?
Water at least once a month during extended periods without snow cover, on days over 40ºF when the ground isn’t frozen. General guidelines for how much water to give your trees and shrubs:
-10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per month. i.e. a tree with 3” trunk would need 30 gallons of water.
-Newly planted shrubs should get 5 gallons 2x/month
-Small, established shrubs need 5 gallons per month
-Larger shrubs need about 18 gallons each month
Hopefully we will see more snowfall here along the front range and in the mountains this winter, but at least you have the proper tips for winter watering when snowfall is limited and temperatures are unseasonably warm.
