When winter arrives in Maryland, Virginia, and the greater DC area, many homeowners assume their trees are “asleep” and don’t need any attention until spring. After all, no leaves, no growth… no problems, right?

Not exactly.

One of the biggest winter tree care myths is that trees don’t need water in cold weather. In reality, winter can be one of the most stressful seasons for your trees especially if they’re not getting the moisture and protection they still need.

Let’s clear up a few common myths and share how you can keep your trees healthy all winter long.

Myth #1: Trees Don’t Need Water in Winter

While growth slows down, trees never fully shut off. Evergreens, in particular, continue to lose moisture through their needles all winter long.

Cold winds, dry air, and frozen soil can all prevent trees from absorbing enough water. This can lead to winter drought stress, which often shows up in spring as browning needles, dead branches, or poor growth.

The truth:
On mild winter days when the ground isn’t frozen, deep watering can make a big difference especially for:

• Newly planted trees
• Young trees
• Evergreens
• Trees in exposed or windy areas

Myth #2: Snow and Ice Provide Enough Moisture

Snow helps but it’s not always enough.

In many parts of the DC metro area, winter precipitation is inconsistent. If we go weeks without rain or snow, the soil can dry out quickly, even in cold weather.

Light snow often doesn’t penetrate deeply into the root zone, where trees actually need moisture the most.

Common Winter Watering Mistakes Homeowners Make

We see these mistakes often when performing winter tree inspections:

1. Watering when the ground is frozen
Water can’t soak in frozen soil. Wait for a warmer day when temperatures are above freezing.

2. Overwatering
Too much water can be just as harmful as too little. Winter watering should be occasional and deep not frequent and shallow.

3. Forgetting evergreens
Evergreens are the most vulnerable to winter drought and are often overlooked.

4. Skipping mulch maintenance
A thin or compacted mulch layer won’t protect roots properly from temperature swings and moisture loss.

When to Call a Professional Arborist

Not sure if your trees need winter watering or extra protection?

A professional arborist can:

• Check for winter stress or damage
• Recommend watering schedules and mulching strategies
• Identify trees at higher risk before spring arrives

Early care now can prevent costly removals and emergency calls later.

At Titan Tree Care, we help homeowners across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the greater Washington DC area keep their trees safe and healthy in every season, including winter.