Dry air, low soil moisture and fluctuating temperatures are fall and winter characteristics in many areas of Colorado and the west. Extended dry periods during fall and winter can result in injury or death to plant root systems. During typical dry periods, particularly October through February when there may be little or no snow cover--trees, shrubs and lawn grasses can be damaged if they do not receive supplemental water. Affected plants may appear perfectly normal and resume growth in the spring using stored food energy, only to weaken or die in late spring or early summer when the stored energy runs out. Weakened plants also may be subject to insect and disease problems later. For more information on winter watering, see the fact sheet Fall and Winter Watering.

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