All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Trees

The weather this year is markedly different than last year's. On this date in 2009 we had over a foot of snow on the ground. High temperatures were chillingly low. Snow came and stayed as the thermometer barely wavered above freezing for weeks at a time. This year we're setting records for high temperatures; much of December has been 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Last week we set a new record for the latest day for the first measurable snow. Our precipitation level for the season is 12 inches below normal.

Meteorologists explain the different weather patterns as either La Nina or El Nino. The surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean varies from year to year and affects how weather forms and impacts the Western Hemisphere. During an El Nino winter, our area of the country tends to be colder, with more snowfall; much of the northern United States is drier and warmer. During La Nina, we are warmer and drier while the North is colder and wetter. That's the pattern we're in now. While we're balmy and dry, my stepmother in Washington state is worried about shoveling snow from her driveway, again.

This becomes an issue for gardeners because the wide variation in weather affects us and our plants. El Nino patterns tend to prevail for years at a time and those are the patterns to which we grow accustomed. La Nina happens less often and tends to catch us by surprise.

For areas of the country, like ours, where snowfall is a normal part of winter, we know that the snow adds moisture to the soil and also acts like a protective blanket for many plants that can be damaged by extreme cold. Winter is a time to plan the next year's garden, look through plant catalogs, feed the birds, and let nature take care of itself outside.

When that process is interrupted, our plants can suffer. Even in the coldest months our landscape still requires moisture. With no snow, the soil can dry out, roots will die, and normally hardy plants won't recover from cold temperatures. Warmer temperatures may encourage more freeze-thaw cycles in the soil that can push plants out of the ground. Lower humidity and cold winds desiccate trees and buds.

Though your garden hoses are probably wound up and stored away, it's time to think about watering your garden. You need to add the moisture to the soil that snow normally would. Winter watering for lawns is particularly important. Without it, you'll be rewarded in the spring by big sections of dead, brown grass.

I planted two dwarf Alberta Spruce trees in front of my house months ago. I kept the soil watered to help them gain a footing and then stopped the regular watering as freezing weather arrived. Frozen soil and normal snow would protect them through the winter. That hasn't happened. The soil is relatively warm and dry. It's up to me to help them through the winter by periodic watering. Without my efforts, I can't be assured that they'll survive.

Perennial plants, bushes, and trees don't need a lot of water in cold weather. They're mostly dormant so they're not using the moisture for nutrition and growth. But normal plant processes require water. Think about the Christmas tree you cut down or bought to place in your living room. In the warm, dry environment inside your house, you need to add water to the tree stand almost every day. Even after it's cut, a tree still draws water from its base out to its needles. Without water the tree dries out. That is exactly what is happening to the live trees in your yard if you don't keep the soil watered when there is no snow.

So think about watering your garden. It is best to water when the ground isn't frozen; adding water to frozen ground won't do much good as you just add a layer of ice. Water when the weather warms up, preferably above 40 degrees F, not on a day when the temperature is below freezing. Look at forecasts for a period of days when the temperatures will all be warm. Water at mid-day so the water has a chance to soak into the ground before freezing night temperatures.

Look for areas in your garden that may need watering more often. Plants next to walls, fences, or your house may be warmer because of reflective heating. Those plants will dry out sooner and require more water. Plants in windy, unprotected areas will have similar needs. Newer plants will need more watering than established plants. Late-season transplants will also need more water. If you haven't mulched around the same plants, do so soon. That will help moderate soil moisture levels and temperatures.

You may only need to water one or two times a month for prolonged periods without snow. Check your soil to see if it's frozen or dry. Stick your finger in it. One thorough, soaking watering my be good for weeks. If snow does come you still may need to add water. Light snow doesn't contain much moisture and you can be fooled into thinking it was enough for your plants. After a few days check the soil again.

If you've ever wondered why you lost plants after a dry winter, it may be because they needed water and didn't get it. Look at your garden now. Has it been awhile since a snow? Since you watered? Now that you know, you can be the difference between a robust garden in the spring and one that needs replacement plants after winter die-off.

The weather this year is markedly different than last year's. On this date in 2009 we had over a foot of snow on the ground. High temperatures were chillingly low. Snow came and stayed as the thermometer barely wavered above freezing for weeks at a time. This year we're setting records for high temperatures; much of December has been 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Last week we set a new record for the latest day for the first measurable snow. Our precipitation level for the season is 12 inches below normal.

Meteorologists explain the different weather patterns as either La Nina or El Nino. The surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean varies from year to year and affects how weather forms and impacts the Western Hemisphere. During an El Nino winter, our area of the country tends to be colder, with more snowfall; much of the northern United States is drier and warmer. During La Nina, we are warmer and drier while the North is colder and wetter. That's the pattern we're in now. While we're balmy and dry, my stepmother in Washington state is worried about shoveling snow from her driveway, again.

This becomes an issue for gardeners because the wide variation in weather affects us and our plants. El Nino patterns tend to prevail for years at a time and those are the patterns to which we grow accustomed. La Nina happens less often and tends to catch us by surprise.

For areas of the country, like ours, where snowfall is a normal part of winter, we know that the snow adds moisture to the soil and also acts like a protective blanket for many plants that can be damaged by extreme cold. Winter is a time to plan the next year's garden, look through plant catalogs, feed the birds, and let nature take care of itself outside.

When that process is interrupted, our plants can suffer. Even in the coldest months our landscape still requires moisture. With no snow, the soil can dry out, roots will die, and normally hardy plants won't recover from cold temperatures. Warmer temperatures may encourage more freeze-thaw cycles in the soil that can push plants out of the ground. Lower humidity and cold winds desiccate trees and buds.

Though your garden hoses are probably wound up and stored away, it's time to think about watering your garden. You need to add the moisture to the soil that snow normally would. Winter watering for lawns is particularly important. Without it, you'll be rewarded in the spring by big sections of dead, brown grass.

I planted two dwarf Alberta Spruce trees in front of my house months ago. I kept the soil watered to help them gain a footing and then stopped the regular watering as freezing weather arrived. Frozen soil and normal snow would protect them through the winter. That hasn't happened. The soil is relatively warm and dry. It's up to me to help them through the winter by periodic watering. Without my efforts, I can't be assured that they'll survive.

Perennial plants, bushes, and trees don't need a lot of water in cold weather. They're mostly dormant so they're not using the moisture for nutrition and growth. But normal plant processes require water. Think about the Christmas tree you cut down or bought to place in your living room. In the warm, dry environment inside your house, you need to add water to the tree stand almost every day. Even after it's cut, a tree still draws water from its base out to its needles. Without water the tree dries out. That is exactly what is happening to the live trees in your yard if you don't keep the soil watered when there is no snow.

So think about watering your garden. It is best to water when the ground isn't frozen; adding water to frozen ground won't do much good as you just add a layer of ice. Water when the weather warms up, preferably above 40 degrees F, not on a day when the temperature is below freezing. Look at forecasts for a period of days when the temperatures will all be warm. Water at mid-day so the water has a chance to soak into the ground before freezing night temperatures.

Look for areas in your garden that may need watering more often. Plants next to walls, fences, or your house may be warmer because of reflective heating. Those plants will dry out sooner and require more water. Plants in windy, unprotected areas will have similar needs. Newer plants will need more watering than established plants. Late-season transplants will also need more water. If you haven't mulched around the same plants, do so soon. That will help moderate soil moisture levels and temperatures.

You may only need to water one or two times a month for prolonged periods without snow. Check your soil to see if it's frozen or dry. Stick your finger in it. One thorough, soaking watering my be good for weeks. If snow does come you still may need to add water. Light snow doesn't contain much moisture and you can be fooled into thinking it was enough for your plants. After a few days check the soil again.

If you've ever wondered why you lost plants after a dry winter, it may be because they needed water and didn't get it. Look at your garden now. Has it been awhile since a snow? Since you watered? Now that you know, you can be the difference between a robust garden in the spring and one that needs replacement plants after winter die-off.