Should you water winterized plants? Yes, but only once, and before the ground freezes. The best winter protection starts long before the snow arrives. Healthy trees and shrubs handle winter stress better when they’re well-fed and well-watered in fall. 🌱 Use a slow-release fertilizer in late fall to strengthen roots, without pushing new leaf growth. 🌱 Give shrubs and perennials one deep watering in October or November, while the soil is still soft. 🌱 Use a soaker hose and let it run long enough to soak the root zone, not just the surface. 🌱 Finish with 2–4 inches of mulch to lock in moisture and protect roots. Plants start winter stronger, and they’re better able to handle the drying effects of cold winds and winter sun. So the bottom line is: Should you water plants in winter? → Yes, before the freeze. Not after.
