Home Grown Notions: Fall And Winter Watering

Beth Cook, Mammoth Cave Transplants
Fall has officially arrived! Temperatures are fluctuating, leaves are turning and even falling. Now is the time to plant trees and shrubs in your landscape. Planting in the fall allows time for the roots to establish. When planting, make sure to water the plant thoroughly and at least every 7-10 days if we have not received any rainfall. 

Unlike the July we had this year… rain, rain, rain, we are currently in a period of drought and plants need water. Prolonged dry fall periods can cause root damage, which affects the health of the entire plant. Normally in early fall, you would stop watering because rainfall will usually suffice. Sometimes watering in early fall will promote new growth, but since we haven’t had any rainfall, they are in need of water. You would then start watering again in late fall when deciduous trees have lost their leaves to help ensure against damage in the winter. 

Evergreen trees will definitely need to be watered before winter - since they never lose their foliage and go into full dormancy, they will constantly be losing water throughout the winter.You should only water when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F. Water deeply (at least 1-2 feet deep at a time) until the ground is frozen. Deep watering encourages proper root growth so that the trees will be able to access water farther down in the soil.

Young trees, especially, need lots of water to establish roots in preparation for winter. Newly planted trees should be watered at the base, while more mature trees should be watered at the dripline. Remember DO NOT fertilize this time of year! Fertilize will promote new growth that could be damaged or even killed by frost. Another important tip is to be sure and mulch your trees and shrubs well for the winter. This will help hold in needed moisture during the winter.

Happy Fall Y’all from Mammoth Cave Transplants!!

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”― Emily Bronte