Do Your Plants Still Need Water in the Fall?

The sprinkler system is winterized, the hose is headed for storage, and the yard is starting to look ready for winter. Watering probably isn’t high on your November to-do list. But before you put that hose away, take a few minutes to check on your plants. Even with cooler temperatures and leaves on the ground, trees, shrubs and perennials can still need water, especially anything planted within the last few years.

There’s still something happening below ground.

A bare tree or a perennial that has died back may look finished for the season, but activity below ground doesn’t stop when the leaves fall. Roots can continue growing as long as the soil remains warm enough, and adequate moisture helps plants prepare for winter. Evergreens deserve particular attention. Arborvitae, boxwood, rhododendrons and other evergreens continue losing moisture through their foliage during winter. Once the ground freezes, replacing that moisture becomes difficult. Going into winter with dry roots can leave them more vulnerable to browning and winter injury.

Your November landscape watering checklist

You don’t need to water everything in your landscape. Focus on the plants that need it most.

1. Start with newly planted trees and shrubs. Give priority to anything planted within the past few growing seasons. These plants are still developing their root systems, and their roots haven’t spread far into the surrounding soil. When checking for moisture, feel both the original root ball and the soil around it.

2. Pay special attention to evergreens. Arborvitae, boxwood, rhododendrons and other evergreens are particularly susceptible to winter moisture loss, especially when exposed to wind, growing in sandy soil or tucked beneath roof overhangs where rainfall may not reach. Check the soil around these plants and give them a thorough watering if it feels dry.

3. Don’t overlook established trees and shrubs. Larger, established plants have more extensive root systems, but they can still benefit from fall watering when conditions are dry. This is especially true for trees growing in exposed areas or well-drained soils, where moisture can be lost more quickly.

4. Check the soil before turning on the hose. Pull back the mulch and use a small hand trowel to check the soil about 4–8 inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off and check again later. Soil that’s already saturated doesn’t need any additional water.

5. Water slowly and thoroughly. Use a garden hose on a gentle flow or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the root zone. For newly planted trees and shrubs, thoroughly moisten the original root ball and the surrounding soil. For established trees, spread the water across the area beneath the canopy, reaching out toward the tips of the branches. Water slowly so it has time to soak into the soil without running off or pooling on the surface.

Before you put the hose away…

Take advantage of mild fall days, preferably when temperatures are above 40°F and the ground is not frozen. Give dry plants a thorough drink while the soil can still absorb the moisture. Once the ground freezes, watering is no longer effective.

A little attention now can make a difference in how your landscape comes through winter and looks next spring.

Have questions about preparing your landscape for winter? Give us a call at 989-835-8260, the Reder team is happy to help.