WINTER TREE CARE: WHY WATERING MATTERS EVEN IN WARM, DRY WINTERS

With Eastern Colorado experiencing below-average moisture and warmer-than-normal winter temperatures, many landowners may assume their trees are doing just fine. In reality, dry winters can place significant stress on trees, especially young trees, shelterbelts, and recently planted windbreaks.

While trees appear dormant during winter months, their root systems remain active anytime soil temperatures are above freezing. When we go long stretches without snow cover or measurable precipitation, trees can suffer from winter drought stress.

Why Winter Watering Is Important

Trees lose moisture through their needles, buds, and bark—even in winter. Without adequate soil moisture, they can experience:

• Root desiccation (drying out)

• Increased susceptibility to disease and insects

• Dieback of branches in spring

• Reduced growth and vigor

• Complete mortality in severe cases

Evergreens are especially vulnerable because they retain their needles year-round and continue to transpire during warm, sunny winter days.

Which Trees Are Most at Risk?

• Newly planted trees (1–5 years old)

• Shelterbelt and windbreak plantings

• Trees planted in sandy or well-drained soils

• Evergreens such as pine, spruce, and juniper

• Trees exposed to strong winter winds

In Eastern Colorado, where sandy soil and persistent winds are common, winter watering is particularly important during dry years.

When and How to Water

If temperatures are above 40°F and the ground is not frozen, it is safe to water.

Best practices include:

• Water during mid-day when temperatures are warmest.

• Apply water slowly at the tree’s dripline (the area beneath the outer edge of the branches).

• Avoid watering directly against the trunk.

• Soak the soil 8–12 inches deep.

• Water once or twice per month during dry periods.

For young trees, 10–15 gallons per watering may be sufficient. Larger, mature trees may require significantly more.

Replacing Trees? Source Carefully.

For producers and landowners planning spring plantings, proper sourcing is just as important as watering.

Colorado continues to manage serious invasive insect threats that can be spread through nursery stock:

• The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), responsible for widespread ash tree mortality along Colorado’s Front Range. 

• The Japanese Beetle, which remains under state regulatory control due to its ability to spread through plant material and soil.

Both pests can be transported unintentionally through infested nursery stock. Once introduced, they are extremely difficult and costly to control.

To protect Eastern Colorado’s shelterbelts and rural landscapes, producers are encouraged to:

• Verify that tree suppliers hold a valid Colorado Nursery License.

• Ask whether trees are sourced from inspected and accredited nurseries.

• Confirm that plant material complies with state quarantine and phytosanitary requirements.

The Yuma County Conservation District maintains an active Colorado Nursery License and procures trees exclusively from accredited, inspected nurseries that meet all state plant health regulations. These precautions help safeguard farmsteads, windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and community trees from long-term economic and environmental impacts.

Planning Ahead: YCCD Tree Sale

If you have experienced tree loss due to drought, hail, fire, or age, now is a great time to plan for replacement. Yuma County Conservation District is currently taking orders for its annual tree sale, offering a variety of windbreak, shelterbelt, wildlife, and ornamental tree species suited for Eastern Colorado conditions.

Proper site preparation and consistent watering—especially during dry winters—can significantly improve survival rates for new plantings. Yuma County Conservation District staff are available to assist with species selection, spacing recommendations, and general planting guidance.

For more information about winter tree care or to place a tree sale order, contact the Yuma

County Conservation District at 970-332-3107 ext. 9002 or visit www.ycconservation.com/shop.