Winter Watering Tips for Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

Whitney Laritson | February 14, 2026

Low soil moisture, low precipitation and wild swings in temperatures can cause lots of problems for many landscape plants. Many established plants can be harmed, but newly planted plants are especially susceptible to winter damage.

Remember, keeping your trees and shrubs stress free is the key to success. Healthy and vigorous plants can ward off insect and disease problems much easier than plants that are weak and stressed.

Protect Evergreen Trees and Shrubs from Winter Burn

Was it dry in your region last fall? In areas where very dry fall weather precedes winter, there can be problems like winter burn and desiccation to evergreen trees and shrubs. Dry soils going into winter can also cause root damage, which can affect the entire plant come spring.

We are also seeing very mild winter weather in many areas that typically get lots of cold and snow. Many of these areas have soil that is not frozen. When the soils are not frozen and is very dry, the plants can be susceptible to winter damage. Protect your investment of new landscaping with winter watering.

Use the Shovel Test to See if Your Soil is Dry

Get your shovel or pitchfork out of the garage and stick it into the soil to see if you have any frost in the soil. If you can push your tool into the soil easily, then you should consider adding some moisture to the root zones of plants. This is especially true if you haven’t received lots of rainfall last fall or early this winter.

If the ground is frozen, additional moisture is not going to get into the soil and so is not necessary at this time. If you've gotten good rain or snow fall, you will not need to give additional moisture at this time.

Which Plants Are Especially Vulnerable to Dry Winter Soil Conditions?

Any evergreens or broadleaved evergreen trees or shrubs, any newly planted trees and shrubs, and any new landscape plants will appreciate some additional moisture added, if the soil is dry and unfrozen at this time.

There are other established plants that will appreciate some winter watering, including all evergreens like Japanese yews, Arborvitae, Spruce, Pine and Fir. Broadleaved evergreens like Boxwood, Holly, and Euonymus transpire water through their leaves all season, so give them water as needed. Birch trees, Dogwood trees, and Maple trees such as: Red, Silver, Norway and Hybrid will appreciate additional watering. Some trees like Mountain Ash, Willows, Lindens and Beech trees will all be happier with additional moisture.

Dry soils that are frost free are tough on many of your plants, so give them a monthly drink if needed. Water during winter as needed for the best health for all of your new and established plants in your landscape!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I water trees, shrubs, and perennials correctly during the winter months?

Winter watering is only necessary when the soil is unfrozen and dry, so start by doing a simple shovel test: push a shovel or pitchfork into the ground, and if it goes in easily, your plants likely need moisture. Evergreens like Arborvitae, Spruce, and Pine, broadleaved evergreens like Boxwood and Holly, newly planted trees and shrubs, and moisture-loving trees like Birch, Dogwood, and Maple are especially vulnerable to dry winter soils. Water deeply at the root zone during mild spells when temperatures are above freezing, ideally in the morning so any excess moisture can absorb before nighttime temperatures drop.

When should I start and stop winter watering for trees, shrubs, and perennials?

Winter watering should begin in late fall once temperatures consistently drop but before the ground freezes, typically between October and December depending on your region. Continue watering throughout winter anytime the soil is unfrozen, daytime temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainfall or snowfall has been insufficient. Stop supplemental watering once spring rains return and soil moisture is consistently replenished naturally. Use the shovel test regularly throughout winter to check soil conditions, and water during the warmest part of the day so moisture absorbs before nighttime temperatures drop.

How do I check if the soil is dry enough to water during winter?

Use the shovel test to check your soil moisture: push a shovel or pitchfork into the ground and see how easily it penetrates. If the tool slides in without resistance and you have not received significant rainfall or snowfall recently, your soil is likely too dry and your plants need water. If the ground is frozen solid, additional watering is not necessary since moisture cannot penetrate frozen soil. Focus your winter watering efforts on the root zones of evergreens, broadleaved shrubs, and any newly planted trees or shrubs whenever dry, unfrozen conditions persist.

How much water do established trees, shrubs, and perennials need during winter?

Established trees and shrubs generally need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter during dry winter periods, applied slowly at the drip line to allow deep soil penetration. Water only when soil temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground is not frozen, ideally during midday hours so moisture can absorb before nighttime temperatures drop. Use the shovel test to check soil moisture before watering, since plants in regions with adequate fall rainfall or consistent snow cover may need little to no supplemental irrigation. Focus your efforts on evergreens like Arborvitae, Spruce, and Boxwood, as well as any trees planted within the last year, watering once or twice a month through late winter as needed.

Can I water trees and shrubs when the ground is frozen or covered in snow?

If the ground is frozen solid, additional watering is unnecessary because water cannot penetrate frozen soil and will simply run off. Likewise, if you have received adequate rainfall or snowfall recently, supplemental watering is not needed. Use the shovel test to check your soil conditions: push a shovel or pitchfork into the ground, and if it slides in easily, the soil is unfrozen and may need moisture. Focus any winter watering efforts on dry, unfrozen soil around the root zones of evergreens, broadleaved evergreens, and newly planted trees and shrubs.

What outdoor temperature is safe for watering trees and shrubs in winter?

Water your trees and shrubs during winter on days when the air temperature is at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally in the late morning or afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. This allows the water to soak into the soil before nighttime temperatures drop and potentially freeze the moisture around roots and at the soil surface. Avoid watering if a hard freeze is expected within 24 hours. Check your forecast and take advantage of mild winter days to give vulnerable plants a deep, slow drink at the drip line.

Should I water evergreen trees and shrubs differently than deciduous plants in winter?

Yes, evergreens and broadleaved evergreens require more attention to winter watering than deciduous plants because they continue to lose moisture through their foliage all season long, even when dormant. Deciduous trees like birch, dogwood, and maple will also benefit from supplemental watering in dry winters, but they are generally less vulnerable since they have dropped their leaves. For evergreens like arborvitae, spruce, boxwood, and holly, use the shovel test to check soil moisture and water thoroughly at the root zone whenever the ground is unfrozen and dry. Aim to water during mild spells when temperatures are above freezing, allowing moisture to fully penetrate before the next freeze.

Do perennials need winter watering, or is it only necessary for trees and shrubs?

Perennials can also benefit from winter watering, though newly planted trees, shrubs, and evergreens are the highest priority. Any new landscape plants, including perennials, are especially vulnerable when soils are dry and unfrozen heading into winter. Use the shovel test to check soil conditions: if you can push a shovel or pitchfork into the ground easily and rainfall has been scarce, apply water to the root zones of all vulnerable plants, not just woody ones. Focus first on evergreens and new plantings, then work your way to established perennials if dry conditions persist.

What is the best method for winter watering, a hose, soaker hose, bucket, or sprinkler?

A soaker hose or drip irrigation laid at the root zone is the most efficient method for winter watering, as it delivers moisture slowly and directly where plants need it most. A regular garden hose works well too, especially for spot watering individual trees and shrubs. Avoid sprinklers in winter, as wet foliage in freezing temperatures can cause ice damage and increase disease pressure. Water during the warmest part of the day when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, giving each plant a slow, deep soak of roughly 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter, then disconnect and drain your hose to prevent freezing.

Should I water at the base of a tree or shrub, along the dripline, or across both zones in winter?

Water both the base and the dripline zone to ensure moisture reaches the full root system, as tree and shrub roots extend well beyond the trunk. Focus your efforts on the outer root zone near the dripline, where the most active feeder roots are located and where water absorption is greatest. Apply water slowly so it soaks 12 to 18 inches deep rather than running off, and always water during a mild stretch when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil is not frozen.