1. Water trees, shrubs, lawns, and perennials during prolonged dry fall and winter periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant.
2. Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover.
3. Established large trees have a root spread equal to or greater than the height of the tree. Apply water to the most critical part of the root zone within the dripline.
4. Newly planted trees are most susceptible to winter drought injury.
5. Most woody plants, which have shallow root systems, require supplemental watering during extended winter dry periods.
6. Water during winter only when air temperature is above freezing.
7. In most years, one or two winter waterings will be enough to keep plants from suffering winter damage.
8. Lawns started within the last year may be susceptible to winter desiccation injury and need supplemental winter irrigation.
Information presented within the Lawn & Landscape Irrigation section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Educator John Fech.
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