Winter drought doesn’t just impact Colorado’s ski slopes – it affects every plant in your yard. In the winter of 2024, some areas faced extreme drought due to a lack of snowfall, prompting city officials to urge property owners to “water their trees judiciously.”
For Colorado homeowners and property managers, understanding winter drought damage is important when protecting their investment in trees, shrubs, and other plants.
Without enough moisture, plants become weak, making them more susceptible to disease, pests, and irreversible damage that could result in costly removals. Despite this, winter watering is often overlooked – even though it’s one of the simplest ways to keep trees healthy.
Key Takeaways:
- Winter drought affects Colorado landscapes differently than summer drought, with evergreens and newly planted trees facing the highest risk of damage.
- It takes 10 to 13 inches of snow to equal just 1 inch of rain, leaving many landscapes without adequate winter moisture, even when it snows.
- Soil moisture levels and root health during winter directly impact plant survival and growth throughout the following growing season.
- Proper winter watering techniques combined with mulch and soil improvements help prevent winter drought damage to trees and plants.
Plants Most Vulnerable to Winter Drought
Lack of winter moisture affects some plants more severely than others. Knowing which plants face the highest risk helps property owners focus their winter watering efforts where they matter most.
Several types of plants need extra attention during dry winter periods, including:
- Evergreens, especially shallow-rooted spruce trees that can’t access deeper water sources.
- Damaged trees, or trees already experiencing stress from disease, insect problems, or nearby construction.
- Recently planted trees, shrubs, and perennials that haven’t established deep root systems.
- Lawns that were cut too short in fall or didn’t receive adequate water before winter.
- South and west-facing plants, as these areas receive more direct sun exposure and face stronger winds, causing soil to dry out faster and putting additional stress on plants.
Understanding Winter Snow to Water Ratios
Most people don’t realize that snow and rain provide very different amounts of moisture to plants. In general, about 10 to 13 inches of snow equals just 1 inch of rain. But these ratios change dramatically with temperature. During very cold weather, it can take up to 50 inches of snow to provide the same moisture as 1 inch of rain.
When snow cover is lacking in winter, the Colorado Front Range and foothills face significant moisture deficits. Without regular snow accumulation, soil dries out quickly in the cold winter air. This creates challenging growing conditions that persist well into spring and summer.
The type of winter precipitation also matters. Sleet and freezing rain typically carry more moisture than light, fluffy snow. But they can also create ice damage on branches and prevent water from properly absorbing into the soil.
Effects of Winter Drought on Plant Health
Winter drought damage often starts invisibly below ground before showing visible symptoms above ground. You’ll need to pay close attention to your trees and plants during the winter and spring to catch drought stress early.
Common signs of winter drought stress include:
- Curling or wilting leaves
- Needles turning brown and dropping
- Damaged or dying root systems
- Reduced spring growth
- Smaller than normal leaves
- Increased vulnerability to insects and disease
The relationship between soil and tree roots plays the biggest role in plant health during drought. When soil dries out, it affects the chemical and biological processes that plants need to thrive. This interrupts nutrient uptake and leads to declining plant health over time.
Winter drought also creates perfect conditions for pest problems. Stressed trees have a harder time fighting off bark beetles, mites, and aphids. At the same time, beneficial insects that normally control these pests decline due to drought conditions, making the problem even worse.
Preventing Winter Drought Damage
Taking steps to prevent winter drought damage saves time and money compared to treating problems after they develop, or removing a tree that failed completely.
You can minimize winter drought damage by:
- Using drought resistant plants that are better suited for Colorado’s climate.
- Watering landscape plants once or twice per month during winter when temperatures are above freezing.
- Applying 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture throughout the season.
- Monitoring for early signs of pest or disease problems that could compound drought stress.
- Maintaining healthy soil with organic matter and proper fertilization techniques.
Winter Watering Best Practices
Winter watering is the most important thing, but it needs to be done properly. Many homeowners glance over this practice, thinking their mature trees don’t need supplemental watering. But during times of drought, proper winter watering techniques make all the difference.
Timing, temperature, and technique all play important roles in effective winter watering. The best time to water in winter is midday, between 10 AM and 2 PM. This allows water to soak into the soil before overnight freezing occurs. Only water when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and no snow cover exists.
Proper watering isn’t one-size-fits-all – different plants have unique needs:
- Young trees: Water in a ring around the root ball, focusing moisture where roots are actively growing.
- Established trees: Use slow, deep watering that reaches the drip line, as most roots extend far from the trunk.
- Evergreens: Require more frequent watering than deciduous trees since they lose moisture year-round.
- Shallow-rooted plants: Benefit from lighter, more frequent watering to prevent drying out.
Avoid overwatering even in winter. Too much water can lead to root rot and other problems that compound drought stress. Check soil moisture before watering by inserting a long screwdriver into the ground. If it moves easily through the soil, there’s adequate moisture.
Also, you can make this process easier and more effective by using a soaker hose. These passively water trees and shrubs, slowly leaking water directly into the soil. This ensures very little water evaporates or runs off and most of it gets down to the roots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Drought
How often should trees be watered during winter months?
Water trees once or twice per month during winter when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Recently planted trees and evergreens may need more frequent watering.
What time of day is best for winter watering?
In winter, water between 10 AM and 2 PM to allow water to soak into the soil before temperatures drop below freezing at night. This is the opposite from watering in the summer, when the ideal times are morning and evening.
Does snow provide enough moisture for plants in winter?
Not always. It takes 10 to 13 inches of snow to equal 1 inch of rain, and in very cold conditions, it can take up to 50 inches of snow to provide the same amount of moisture.
Which plants need the most attention during winter drought?
Evergreens, newly planted trees and shrubs, stressed or damaged plants, and shallow rooted species need the most attention during dry winter periods.
How can you tell if plants are suffering from winter drought?
Look for curling leaves, brown needles, early leaf drop, delayed spring growth, and signs of pest problems. The soil may also appear cracked or it may pull away from planter edges.
Expert Winter Tree Care Starts with LAM Tree
At LAM Tree, we know that proper watering is one of the best ways to keep your trees healthy, whether it’s the peak of summer or the depths of winter. But even with the right care, Colorado’s harsh winters can take a toll.
If your trees are showing signs of stress – such as browning needles, brittle branches, or early leaf drop – it’s time for a professional assessment. Our Certified Arborists specialize in diagnosing and treating winter tree damage to keep your landscape strong and healthy.
Call LAM Tree today at 303-674-8733 or fill out our online form to request a tree care estimate.
