If this coming winter is anything like last winter, I want to make sure I give my trees the best chance of making it through to spring. So I’ll be watering them, particularly the evergreens, until the ground is practically frozen solid. Here’s why:

• The needles of an evergreen are actually their leaves and, like leaves on a maple or an oak, needles lose moisture through transpiration and evaporation. In the winter, the air is dry to begin with. Add wind and the drying effect can worsen. So evergreens are fighting a losing battle.
• Trees continue to absorb water through their roots throughout the winter but they can’t do that once the ground is frozen. Well hydrated plants have a better chance of surviving long periods when they can’t access moisture from the ground.