METCO LANDSCAPE, INC.
An Open Letter to All It May Concern,
Periods of drought are common on Colorado’s front range but even in years when drought is not a concern winter watering is crucial in maintaining a healthy landscape. Colorado’s front range has received less than average precipitation for October and November, and December seems to be following the same trend.
Growing trees in a naturally semi arid, short grass prairie is hard enough without the situation being affected by drought. Here are some things to keep in mind as Colorado’s precipitation remains below average.
Evergreen trees are more at risk from drying winter conditions and need more water to survive because they retain their needles and can lose water all winter long. Winter winds can compound the problem by pulling water from the needles. Winter damage is typically more severe when trees are located on hot, dry exposures such as the south or west sides of structures. Symptoms from lack of winter watering can appear immediately and will include browning of needles. The entire tree may be affected.
Even though deciduous trees appear dormant during the winter, their root systems continue to slowly grow and need moisture to survive. Water is lost through twigs and must be replaced to prevent damage. Deciduous trees most at risk from drying winter conditions are shallow-rooted species such as maples, lindens, birches and any recently planted tree. Damage from lack of winter watering won’t show up until the following spring and could include branch dieback, reduced leaf size, chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) or tree mortality.
Some winter watering tips:
• Water your deciduous and evergreen trees up to two times a month between October and March.
• Check soil moisture levels around the drip line of the tree to determine how much water is needed. To accurately determine soil moisture, dig down at least 4-6 inches.
• Water during the day when temperatures are above 40 degrees to allow the water to soak in before freezing night temperatures. Do not water if soil is frozen. Hand watering, soaker hose or drip applications are allowed up to two hours per area with no day or time restrictions.
• Soaker hoses, soil needles or hoses with a soft spray attachment can be used to water trees in the winter. Do not turn on your irrigation system to water your trees.
• How much water your tree should receive depends upon the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. Measure trunk diameter at knee height. General formula: Tree Diameter x 5 min. = Total Watering Time
• The most important area to water for deciduous trees is within the drip line (from the trunk to the outer edges of the trees branches). For evergreens, water 3-5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree.
Well-timed fall and winter watering may allow a tree to survive on less water than a regime of plentiful water applications during the growing season.
The hourly rate for winter watering with tank is $55.00 per hour. A hard bid will be submitted upon Customer request prior to commencing work upon Customer request.
Please contact your Metco Account Representative at (303) 421-3100 to schedule watering on your property/properties.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandon, Mike, Steve, TJ, and Darlene
Metco Landscape Maintenance Team
