Water trees in winter

    The U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday, Feb. 2, indicates that nearly all of eastern Colorado is currently experiencing some level of drought. Although trees in urban and community settings throughout this region remain dormant, they require occasional watering during dry winters to remain in top health.
    Colorado State Forest Service offers the following winter watering tips:
    —Water when it’s warm. The best time for winter watering is on days when snow has melted off and the temperature is above 40 degrees.
    —Water a wide area. Tree root systems may spread much wider than the height of the tree, with most absorbing roots in the top foot of soil. Apply water to soak the entire area underneath the full span of a tree’s branches.
    —Water slowly. To ensure deep penetration, use a drip or soaker hose on low setting or a soft spray wand to apply water slowly to the full area at the rate of 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.