Across the Treasure Valley, irrigation water shuts off in mid-October, and for many yards that means trees stop getting regular water just as they head into a long, dry winter. Valley winters often bring little moisture, and dry or frozen soil can leave roots short until spring.
Evergreens are the most vulnerable because their needles keep losing water all winter long. Trees planted in the last two or three years are close behind. A deep, slow soak from a garden hose before the ground freezes, and again during mild, dry stretches when temperatures are above freezing, helps roots go into dormancy hydrated.
Water out toward the drip line rather than right against the trunk, and let it soak in slowly so it reaches the root zone instead of running off. If you're not sure which trees on your property need extra attention this winter, our ISA Certified Arborists are glad to take a look.
Does your yard run on canal irrigation, and have you noticed evergreens browning by late winter? #TreeCare
Photo of a garden hose slowly soaking the root zone of an evergreen or young tree at the drip line, or a crew member checking soil moisture near a spruce. Authentic ArborSafe job photos strongly preferred over stock.
Canva text suggestion: "Irrigation's Off, Trees Still Need Water" or "Water Evergreens Before the Freeze"