As winter approaches in Albuquerque, many homeowners assume their landscaping is in a deep sleep and no longer needs attention. After all, the grass goes dormant, and the trees lose their leaves, so it's easy to think that watering can wait until spring. However, in our unique desert climate, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The combination of low humidity, sunny days, and cold, dry winds can be just as dehydrating to plants as the summer heat. While your lawn and garden may not be actively growing, they still need moisture to survive the winter. This guide explains why winter watering is crucial in protecting your landscape investment and how to do it effectively and safely.
Protect your landscape this winter—if you need a hand with your irrigation system, contact us through our online contact form or call us at (505) 388-0055 to schedule an inspection.
Why Winter Watering Is a Non-Negotiable
The main reason for winter watering is to prevent what's known as winter desiccation, or dehydration. Even though the air is cold, the sun can still be quite intense. This, combined with the dry New Mexico wind, can pull moisture right out of the soil and plants. When the ground freezes, plants can’t absorb water from the soil, but they continue to lose moisture from their leaves, needles, and stems. This process, if left unchecked, can lead to severe damage and even kill plants, especially newly planted trees and shrubs.
Think of it this way: your plants and trees are just like you. They need to stay hydrated. In the winter, they aren't actively seeking water, but they are still losing it. Giving them a drink on a warm day allows the roots to absorb water and store it for when the ground is frozen. This simple act of care can be the difference between a healthy, thriving landscape in the spring and one that is stressed, brown, and struggling to recover.
The Right Way to Water in Winter
The key to successful winter watering is to do it properly and at the right time. Unlike summer watering, which is often more frequent, winter watering is about deep, infrequent soaks.
Rule #1: Pick the Right Day
Timing is everything when it comes to winter watering. The last thing you want to do is water when the temperatures are freezing or about to drop below freezing. Water left on leaves or on the ground can freeze and cause damage.
- Best Time to Water: Choose a day when the temperatures are above freezing (at least 40°F) and are expected to stay that way for several hours. This allows the water to soak into the soil before it has a chance to freeze.
- Avoid Watering: Do not water in the evening, as this doesn't give the water enough time to absorb before nightfall and colder temperatures. Avoid watering during a deep freeze.
Rule #2: Focus on Deep, Infrequent Soaks
Your goal is to provide a deep drink that reaches the plant's root zone. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making them more resilient. Shallow watering, on the other hand, can lead to a weak root system.
Lawns: Even dormant grass needs water. Water your lawn about once every 3-4 weeks. A good rule of thumb is to apply about one inch of water. You can measure this by placing a tuna can on your lawn to see how long it takes to fill up.
Trees and Shrubs: These are often the most valuable plants in your landscape and are susceptible to desiccation. Water them every 2-4 weeks. For trees, the water should soak in 12-18 inches deep. Apply water to the outer edges of the tree’s canopy, not just at the base of the trunk.
Understanding the Needs of Different Plants
Not all plants have the same needs. Here’s a quick overview of how to approach watering different types of landscape features during the winter.
- Evergreens: Trees like pine and juniper and shrubs like holly keep their leaves or needles all winter, which means they are constantly losing water. They are highly susceptible to winter desiccation and must be watered consistently.
- Dormant Plants: Deciduous trees and shrubs (those that lose their leaves) are in a resting state, but their roots are still alive. They need water to keep the root system from drying out and to prepare for new growth in the spring.
- Turfgrass: Most lawns in Albuquerque are cool-season grasses that go dormant in winter. While they may look brown, the crowns and roots are still alive. Watering helps prevent root dehydration and a brown-out come spring.
The Importance of a Winterized Irrigation System
While you may be tempted to use your sprinkler system for these winter watering sessions, it is absolutely essential that your system has been properly winterized. Winterization is the process of completely draining your irrigation lines and backflow prevention device to protect them from freeze damage. Even a small amount of water left in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to crack and burst, leading to expensive repairs.
Trying to do this yourself without the proper equipment can be risky, as a residential air compressor often isn't strong enough to blow all the water out of the lines. Our experts use commercial-grade compressors and methods to ensure every drop of water is removed, giving you peace of mind. For more details, you can visit our page on winterization and spring start-ups.
Your Winter Watering Checklist
To help you remember all the details, here's a simple checklist to follow:
- Water when it's warm: Only water on days when the temperature is above 40°F and is expected to stay there.
- Water infrequently: A deep soak every 2-4 weeks is better than a light watering every week.
- Use the right method: For lawns, a sprinkler can work if the system is properly winterized, or you can use a hose on a warm day. For trees and shrubs, use a soaker hose or a deep-root watering probe to get water directly to the root zone.
- Cover vulnerable plants: For young or sensitive plants, consider adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil.
By following these simple steps, you can help your entire landscape make it through the cold, dry winter and come out stronger and healthier in the spring. It is a simple habit that provides a huge benefit.
Keep Your Landscape Thriving This Winter with Just Sprinklers
When you need help with your landscape's winter needs, from professional winterization to a complete inspection of your irrigation system, turn to our team at Just Sprinklers. We have the knowledge and tools to help you protect your investment and maintain a beautiful, healthy yard all year long. Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges of the New Mexico climate.
We are ready to provide the services you need to keep your landscape thriving. To get started, schedule a consultation with us through our online contact form or call us today at (505) 388-0055.