Heber Valley Winter Care Guide
Winter Watering for Trees and Evergreens in Heber Valley
Snow on the ground does not mean your trees are getting water. Heber Valley winters are dry, sunny and windy, and evergreens keep losing moisture all season. A few well timed winter waterings are the best way to prevent winter burn and protect trees you have spent years growing.
Here is when, how and how much to water your trees and shrubs through a mountain winter.
Why It Matters
Should You Water Trees in Winter?
Yes, especially here. At over 5,000 feet, Heber gets low humidity, bright sun on snow and drying winds. Evergreen needles keep giving off water all winter, and when the soil is dry or frozen the roots cannot replace it. The damage shows up in spring as brown, scorched needles, which is called winter burn.
Trees and shrubs planted in the last two or three years, evergreens, and anything on the south or west side of the house or near a driveway are most at risk. For the full fall checklist, see our guide on how to winterize trees and shrubs.
![Mature evergreen trees and shrubs in a mulched landscape bed](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63acbb49e8111e257a40ac24/a5bbe28f-9e76-47d4-a8f4-3e9ca8c42afd/Screen+Shot+2023-02-02+at+8.03.46+PM.png",?format=1000w)
Step by Step
How to Water Trees in Winter
- Pick a mild day. Water when the air is above 40 degrees, the soil is not frozen and there is no snow cover over the root zone.
- Water at midday. Start around 10am to noon so the water soaks in before temperatures drop at night.
- Water the whole root zone. Roots spread well past the branches. Water from a few feet off the trunk out to the drip line and beyond, not right at the trunk.
- Go slow and deep. Use a soaker hose, a slow trickle from a hose or a deep root watering wand so water reaches 12 inches down instead of running off.
- Use the right amount. A good rule is about 10 gallons for each inch of trunk diameter. Shrubs need roughly 5 gallons each, depending on size.
- Put the hose away. Disconnect and drain hoses after each use so they do not freeze and crack.
Not sure if the soil is dry? Push a screwdriver into the ground near the drip line. If it goes in hard or comes out dry, it is time to water.
Plant by Plant
What Each Type of Tree Needs
Spruce, Pine and Fir
Evergreens need winter water the most because they never go fully dormant. Water once a month in a dry winter, more often for trees planted in the last two years. Our Colorado blue spruce is tough once established but still benefits from a winter drink.
Junipers, Arborvitae and Boxwood
Shallow roots dry out quickly, especially beside sunny walls and driveways. Boxwood and arborvitae burn easily, so give them a deep drink during every mild spell.
Winter Watering Calendar
A rough guide for Heber Valley. Watch the forecast and skip any month with steady snowmelt or rain.
- November Final deep soak before the ground freezes
- December Water once on a mild day if it has been dry
- January Water during a thaw, focus on evergreens and new plantings
- February Water once if the soil is dry and not frozen
- March Resume regular checks as the soil thaws
Trees and Shrubs Planted This Year
New plantings have small root balls that dry out fast. Check them every few weeks through winter and water any time the soil is dry and thawed.
Maples, Aspens and Fruit Trees
Deciduous trees drop their leaves but their roots are still alive. Young trees planted in the last couple of years need a monthly drink in a dry winter to stay healthy into spring.
Signs of Trouble
Spotting and Preventing Winter Burn
Winter burn shows up in late winter or early spring as needles that turn brown, red or yellow, usually on the side of the tree that faces the sun or wind. The buds often survive even when the needles brown, so wait for new growth in late spring before pruning out anything that looks dead.
Beyond watering, a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch over the root zone holds moisture and evens out soil temperature, and a burlap screen helps young evergreens in exposed spots. Our bulk delivery can bring mulch to your driveway.
Keep Your Trees Healthy
Questions About Winter Watering?
Our team has helped Heber Valley gardeners care for trees through mountain winters for years. Stop by 1401 South Highway 189 in Heber City or send us a photo of a tree you are worried about. Planning ahead for spring? See our best evergreens to plant and watering smart in dry summers guides, or browse all our gardening guides.