Liriope’s Muse: Tree Care Tips from a Master Arborist
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Liriope's Muse: Do Trees Still Need Water in the Winter?
Even though winter in Houston is usually mild compared to other parts of the country, many homeowners wonder: Do my trees still need to be watered this time of year?
The short answer is:
YES, just not as often.
Winter is a critical time for root development, and providing the right amount of moisture can make a big difference in your trees’ long-term health, so while you no longer need to water them everyday, that doesn’t mean stop watering them all together.
Dormant Doesn’t Mean Dead
During winter, many trees enter a state of dormancy, which means their visible growth slows down. You might notice fewer leaves, no flowers, or even complete leaf drop (for deciduous trees). But underground, the roots are still active, especially in Houston’s relatively warm soils.
This is when roots strengthen, expand, and prepare to support the tree’s spring flush. If the soil stays too dry, those roots can’t grow properly, and the tree enters spring already stressed.
Houston Winters = Dry Spells
While we don’t usually see deep freezes, Houston does experience long stretches without significant rainfall during the cooler months. Combine that with cold fronts and gusty winds, and trees can dry out, especially young trees, shallow-rooted ornamentals, and those planted within the last 1–3 years.
If a tree goes into winter already dry, the stress is compounded by the lack of regular rain, so watering these susceptible trees more regularly is especially important in the winter.
When (and How) to Water
Here are some quick guidelines:
- Water at minimum weekly: Stick your finger into the soil near the tree’s base. If it’s dry several inches down, it’s too dry and you need to water your tree more often
- Water deeply: Shallow surface watering does little good. A slow, deep soak around the root zone is best about once a or twice a week depending on recent rainfall should suffice.
- Morning is best: Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are above freezing, so the water has a chance to soak into the soil before the sun comes out.
- Mulch helps: A good 2–4 inch layer of mulch (not touching the trunk) will help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. (check out this blog to find out if your tree is properly mulched)
Trees That Need Extra Attention
Some trees are more vulnerable to dry winter conditions, especially:
- Newly planted trees (need to be watered every day in the first 2 years)
- Evergreens (since they continue to lose moisture through their leaves year-round)
- Container-grown trees (like potted citrus or ornamentals)
These trees may need more frequent watering, even in December or January.
Final Thoughts
A little attention in the winter can prevent major problems in the spring. Trees that stay hydrated through the cooler months are better equipped to flush out new growth, resist pests, and stay healthy long term.
If you’re not sure whether your trees are getting enough water, or want help with a winter care plan, our team is happy to help. We offer seasonal inspections, moisture evaluations, and custom care plans for Houston’s unique tree species and soil types.
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