Why Winter Watering Matters for Young and Mature Trees in Frederick, MD
When most people think about watering trees, they think about young & newly planted trees in the spring. Winter is the last season that comes to mind. Thinking as the average home owner would, I wouldn’t blame them… the leaves are gone, the temperatures are low, and growth has significantly slowed down. But here in Frederick, Maryland - and across the DMV - winter watering can actually play a large role in keeping trees healthy, both young and mature.
Some of the worst tree stress we see in spring starts months earlier, during dry winter weather. Trees STAY thirsty, just like us.
The DMV Winter Isn’t as “Wet” as It Looks
While we do see snow and rain throughout the winter months in the Mid-Atlantic, our winters are often dry below the surface. Nowadays snowfall tends to be light or very inconsistent, a lot of it runs off before it can soak deeply into the soil. Factor in cold winds and fluctuating temperatures, and trees can slowly but surely lose moisture without ever getting it back.
This is especially true in Frederick County, where winter weather could seem
“bipolar”. Often Swinging from freezing nights to mild sunny days. Those warm days may feel like a breath of fresh air to us, but for trees, they increase moisture loss while the ground may still be too cold to absorb water efficiently.
Why Trees Still Need Water in Winter
Even though trees are dormant, they’re not completely inactive.
Roots continue to function as long as the soil isn’t frozen solid
Evergreens lose moisture year-round through their needles
Cold winds and winter sun pull water from branches and foliage
When trees lose more moisture than they can replace, they suffer from winter desiccation- A leading cause of browning needles, branch die back, and stressed spring growth. Many times PlantHealth Care involves implementing a watering regiment along with a treatment plan.
Young Trees Need Water The Most
Everyone often assumes and would be correct when they say that new trees need water.
Well, if you’ve planted a tree within the last one to two years, winter watering is especially important.
Young Trees:
Have smaller root systems
Dry out much faster than established trees
Are more vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles
Without adequate winter moisture, young trees may leaf out weakly in the spring, struggle during summer heat, or fail altogether.
Yes- Even Mature Trees Benefit
While mature trees are more resilient, they’re not immune to winter stress. Long dry stretches, especially in January and February, can weaken even well-established trees.
This is typically true for:
Evergreens (pine, spruce, arborvitae)
Trees in exposed or windy locations
Trees near pavement or compacted soil, common in suburban and urban neighborhoods
Providing supplemental water during dry winter periods helps maintain root health and supports a stronger growing season ahead.
When Watering is Appropriate in Frederick, MD
Timing is everything. Winter watering should be strategic, not a routine.
Its appropriate to water when:
Temperatures are above 40F
The ground is not frozen
We’ve gone several weeks without significant rain or snow
Trees are newly planted or evergreen
Avoid Watering When:
The ground is frozen solid
Soil is already saturated
A hard freeze is expected within 24 hours
How to Water Trees in Winter
Winter watering doesn’t mean you have to drag out the sprinkler every week for hours at a time. Less is more here.
Water slowly and deeply
Focus on the root zone, not the trunk
One thorough watering every 3-4 weeks during dry periods is typically sufficient
Stop watering once the ground freezes for good
Adding 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree (doing your best to keep it away from the trunk) helps retain moisture and acts as insulation for the roots as the temperature swings back and forth.
A Healthier Spring Starts in Winter
Lots of the tree problems we see in spring such as - poor leaf development, dieback, stress during summer heat - trace back to winter moisture loss. By paying attention to winter
watering, you’re giving your trees a quiet but powerful advantage.
Think of it as insurance for the growing season.
Your trees are counting on you.