How Often to Water Plants in Winter: Basics Every Homeowner Should Know

Even though many plants go dormant in the wintertime, their roots remain active beneath the surface. Plants depend on consistent soil moisture to stay healthy, handle sudden cold snaps, and perform well when spring arrives. Amarillo’s dry winter air, low humidity, and fluctuating temperatures pull moisture from the soil more quickly than many homeowners realize, which often leads to the common question of how often to water plants in winter. To answer that, it helps to start with what is happening in the soil.

How Soil Moisture Supports Plant Health 

Cold weather can give the impression that watering is unnecessary, but soil continues to lose moisture throughout winter, especially with our dry, Texas Panhandle winds. Remember that plants do not show clear signs of dehydration during winter, so considering what is happening beneath the surface is vital.

Young trees and recently planted shrubs are especially vulnerable since their root systems are still developing. Consistent winter moisture helps them stay established through the dormant season and gives them a stronger start when warmer weather returns. 

Moist soil acts as an insulator around the root zone, helping plants tolerate freezes and reducing long-term stress.

How Often to Water in Winter 

Winter weather varies from week to week, so finding a consistent routine matters more than watering heavily at once. We recommend running your sprinkler system once a week during winter if temperatures are above freezing and conditions are dry. This schedule provides steady moisture without oversaturating the soil. 

The timing of each watering session is just as important.

Mid to late morning is the best window to run your sprinkler system.

Water applied too early may freeze on sidewalks or driveways before the sun comes up, while water applied too late may not dry before nighttime temperatures fall. Watering during the mid-morning allows the soil to absorb moisture and gives any water that lands on hard surfaces enough time to evaporate, reducing the chance of slick areas around your home. 

How Freeze Sensors Affect Your Sprinkler System 

Most modern irrigation controllers include rain and freeze sensors designed to prevent the sprinkler system from operating during unsafe conditions. These sensors act as an important safeguard in winter by stopping the system from running when temperatures drop below freezing or when moisture is already present. They also tend to keep the system off more frequently during the cold season, which can cause the soil to dry out faster than many homeowners expect. 

Maintaining the once-a-week schedule ensures your yard receives the water it needs when conditions are safe. If your sensors prevent the system from operating on a scheduled day due to freezing weather, simply allow the schedule to resume the following week once temperatures rise above freezing. 

What to Do When a Hard Freeze Is Expected 

If a hard freeze is predicted, it’s a good idea to turn the irrigation controller off temporarily (watch: video tutorial). This ensures the system will not come on accidentally and create hazardous ice on sidewalks, driveways, or the street. Ice buildup on hard surfaces poses a safety risk for families, visitors, and anyone accessing your property. 

Once the freeze passes, turn the controller back on and resume your normal winter watering schedule. Taking a moment to adjust the controller during extreme cold helps prevent icy conditions and keeps your winter landscape maintenance running smoothly. 

Putting it All Together: The Benefits of Winter Watering 

Winter watering supports the overall health of your landscape in several important ways. Consistent soil moisture protects root systems, reduces the stress caused by freeze-thaw cycles, and helps young plants become well-established. When spring arrives, landscapes that receive regular winter watering are stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for new growth. 

Your landscape represents a meaningful investment in your home. By maintaining a thoughtful winter watering routine, you help ensure that your investment continues to thrive. Steady moisture and adjustments during freezes help your landscape continue growing to its full potential. 

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A friendly reminder as we head into January: dormant oil applications are one of the simplest ways to keep trees and shrubs healthy at the start of spring. These treatments help manage overwintering insects, protect new buds, and support stronger plant growth when warmer weather arrives. If you’d like to reserve a spot on our January schedule, our team is happy to assist.

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Need more assistance with keeping your landscape healthy during winter? Call us: 806-354-9693. We're always happy to help!