Watering in Winter: What You Need to Know About Kansas City Tree Care

The Trees on Your Property Need Attention from a Certified Arborist - Even in the Coldest Season

Many trees go dormant during the winter, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t suffer the effects of dry conditions. The lack of water can cause damage, which you might not even be aware of until summer, when the trees on your property begin to die. Even evergreen trees can dry out during the winter months.

You can take action to help your trees survive the winter, and remember that you can always call Arb Tech to help you with your Kansas City tree care questions.

Water Your Trees Leading Up to Winter

The trees on your property, especially young ones without a large, established root system, may need you to provide water to them throughout the summer and fall, until the ground begins to freeze.

In our area, the freezing process usually begins in early November. Maintaining a regular watering schedule until then will set your trees up for success during the chilly Kansas City winter months.

A particularly dry winter - one without snow or rain - means your trees may need water, even during the winter. You’ll want to take on this job, being careful to prevent frozen pipes on your exterior faucets.

Certified Arborists Recommend a Watering Schedule

Keeping the soil around each tree moist can actually help its root system stay warmer. Damp soil is actually warmer than dry.

And by keeping the soil just a little bit wet, you are helping your trees on a cellular level, too. Plant cells that are full of water are less susceptible to sustaining damage from cold temperatures.

Best practices indicate that you should water your trees once or twice each month. Windy areas may necessitate further watering. When the ground begins to thaw and you start seeing spring leaves, you should resume your regular watering habits.

Check the Temperature Before Watering Your Trees in KC

Although it may be hard to stick to a regular winter watering schedule because our winters get chilly, you should do your best.

Experts recommend watering only when it’s warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and when the ground isn’t covered with ice or snow. It’s best to water earlier in the day, so your tree’s roots can absorb it before the temperature drops in the evening.

Your Tree Watering Method Matters

Before watering your trees, check the soil’s moisture level. Using a garden trowel, create a small trench in the soil at a depth of about two inches. Use your finger to determine whether the soil is moist. If it is, you do not need to water your trees.

If the soil is dry, your trees probably would like a drink of water! When you water your trees, spread the water to the edge of the trees’ root spreads. For established trees, that’s about equal to their height.

A soaker hose can help you with your watering tasks; just be sure to avoid spraying water on foliage.

You may also want to add a layer of organic mulch around your trees. Mulch acts as a protective barrier against moisture loss and helps regulate soil temperature, even when it’s frigid outside. It’s essentially like giving your trees a blanket!

Don’t Forget Tree Pruning by a Certified Arborist

What is tree pruning if not a kind of health care service for your trees? Pruning back dead branches or those that may cause damage if they fall on your house or other structures is a smart thing to add to your to-do list.

If you need professional help in doing the job right, you’ll want to hire a tree pruning service near you, like Arb Tech. Our certified arborists are experts in taking care of your trees in all seasons, and can prune back the crown or lower limbs of trees to make them safer during winter.

By eliminating extra branches, you can actually keep your tree healthier during winter, as you provide water.

Call Arb Tech for Tree Pruning Near You, Plus Kansas City Tree Care in Winter

Be a good steward of the trees on your residential or commercial property by providing the best care possible all year long. Take the first step toward stewardship by calling us at Arb Tech, green industry leaders in comprehensive tree care.

Serving the greater Kansas City area, including Overland Park, Prairie Village, Parkville, and North Kansas City, we’re proud to manage the health of your trees for you. Call us at (913) 954-7004 to make an appointment, or schedule service on our website, whenever you need the services of certified arborists.