Water Trees Now For Green Leaves In Spring

This time of year, you probably have your shovels, ice melt and snow blower ready while the lawn mower, tree trimmers and hoses are put away.  But, with a warm up coming for the start of December, experts say your outdoor to-do list may include some summer-like chores.

"You know last winter alone, we didn't get much snow and we didn't get a lot of rain this summer.  So you can pretty much bet that around the Sioux Falls area, it's on the drier side.  So it's not going to hurt to go out there and water stuff," Heath Zeigler with Cliff Avenue Greenhouse said.

Ziegler says you don't need to worry about your grass.  That's dormant from the long and dry summer and the change of the season.  But trees are another story.  He says trees and shrubs are thirsty. While all will benefit from moisture, he says some specific groups really need water.

"The moisture releases through the evergreens even through the winter time.  So that's why the evergreens are very important to get a good soak in this fall," Zeigler said.

Ziegler adds that it is especially important to continue watering your trees if you just recently planted them.  

"You'll see the big difference in the spring if stuff gets watered compared to the neighbors that might not," Zeigler said.

And he says you should keep watering your trees until the ground freezes.

If you get ambitious and think about trimming your trees, that is okay for some types but not others.  So you should consult an expert.

However, if you are wondering whether your tree is dead or alive, healthy trees should have little buds on them that will bloom into leaves this spring.