Apply water early in the day so it will have time to soak in before possible freezing occurs during the night. If water freezes around the base of a tree or shrub, it can damage the bark. Heavy coatings of ice on turfgrasses can cause suffocation or result in matting of the grass. The majority of absorbing roots are in this area. Water trees that are two or more years old with a lawn sprinkler to ensure coverage of all the root area.
Roots extend out radially at least as far as the tree is tall.
For shallow-rooted trees, such as birch, a sufficient amount of water may be applied with sprinklers. Lawn areas also will benefit at the same time. Go to top of this page. Updated Wednesday, May 02, 2001. Contact Cooperative Extension Web Manager .