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Fall and winter in Denver includes snow and cold, but long dry stretches and warm temperatures are not unusual.

During those times, your trees and shrubs need a helping hand from you.

“The occasional hand-watering of trees and shrubs in the fall and winter is helpful. A few gallons go a long way this time of year,” said Austin Krcmarik, a Denver Water efficiency expert.

Watering during dry stretches, when there’s been no significant precipitation for about three weeks, will prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant.

Apply the water at the “drip line,” the area at the outer edge of the plant’s branches, so that it reaches the roots.

Water only when temperatures are above 40 F with no snow on the ground. Frozen soil won’t absorb water.

Keep moisture in the ground by putting mulch under the plant’s branches, leaving a few inches of space around the trunk of the tree or base of the plant.