Winter Watering: How and When to Water Your Landscape in Virginia
Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Healthy During Cold Months
Even in winter, plants in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Greene County, Crozet, and surrounding areas need water. Many homeowners assume that frozen soil means plants don’t require any care, but winter dehydration can stress shrubs, evergreens, and newly planted trees.
Why Winter Watering Matters
Plants still lose moisture through their leaves and needles in winter, especially evergreens. Cold winter winds and sunny days can dry out soil, which may lead to:
Winter burn on evergreens
Drying or dieback on shrubs and small trees
Weakened root systems that reduce spring growth
Proper winter watering helps prevent stress and keeps plants healthy until spring growth resumes.
When to Water in Winter
Watering in winter is all about timing and temperature:
Water only when the soil is not frozen
Ideal temperatures are around 40°F or higher
Water during midday when the sun is strongest to reduce the risk of ice formation
In Virginia, mild winter days provide opportunities to water shrubs and young trees before the ground refreezes.
How to Water Plants in Winter
Follow these tips for safe and effective winter watering:
Use a soaker hose or watering can to reach the base of the plant
Avoid watering leaves or branches, which can freeze and cause damage
Focus on evergreens and newly planted trees as they are most vulnerable
Apply water slowly to allow absorption into the root zone
Overwatering frozen ground can be harmful, so always check soil conditions before watering.
During winter months we always recommend unhook your hoses from the water value and even cover your water valves to prevent freezing the pipes when temperatures dip.
Special Considerations for Virginia Landscapes
Evergreens: Boxwoods, hollies, and rhododendrons continue to lose moisture in winter and benefit most from supplemental watering
Newly Planted Trees: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy, around young roots
Exposed Locations: Gardens on hills or open yards dry out faster due to wind and sun, making winter watering especially important in Crozet, Keswick, and western Albemarle County
When to Call a Professional
If you notice:
Browning needles or leaves on evergreens
Dry, brittle soil near shrubs and trees
Signs of stress on newly planted trees
A professional assessment can help identify underlying problems and prevent winter damage.
Need help keeping your plants healthy this winter? Contact Beebe Landscape Design at (434) 960-8333 or request a consultation online today.
Winter Landscape Care in Central Virginia
Beebe Landscape Design assists homeowners throughout Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Greene County, Crozet, and nearby areas with winter watering and plant protection services. Proper care now ensures strong, healthy plants when spring arrives.