Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Is watering necessary in the fall?

We all know to water during the height of the summer, sometimes every day if it’s during a hot spell. But when temperatures start to drop in the fall, how much watering needs to be done? Here are some guidelines for what to still water, how to do it properly, and why it’s still important. 

Lawns and gardens

Firstly, you need to know that the lawn and garden need sufficient water till the ground freezes. There is a lot of root development that occurs in the fall after the stress of the summer has passed. Plants need enough water to carry them through the winter and give them a good start in the spring. Fall usually brings steady rain but keep in mind that lawns and gardens still need an inch of rain per week. Any less and you need to water. 

Anything recently planted

Moisture is especially important for anything that has been recently planted, from grass to shrubs, trees and perennials. Even in the later fall when you are not seeing so much visible growth with cooler temperatures the roots are still continuing to develop while the soil temperatures stay favorable. Also, better root development will help the plants reach moisture during winter. So, if you are having a particularly rainy fall, you should be ok—but monitor!

When to water

Fall watering doesn’t look the same as summer watering. With the cooler temps there will be less evaporation so you may not have to put down as much water as in the summer. You want to provide enough water to reach the root zone without keeping the soil over-saturated. Water early in the day just as you would during the summer. This saves water and gives the plants time to dry before night to prevent fungus. 

When to stop watering

Most people think after the first frost but that’s not accurate. Plants can still benefit from watering if it’s been a dry fall, especially newly planted trees and shrubs and other not quite established plants. Watch for when the ground actually freezes. Frozen ground doesn’t allow water to the roots and watering is done till the ground thaws in the spring. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago