When the cooler days of fall arrive, it’s easy to think your watering routine can end. The intense summer heat has passed, the days are shorter, and rainfall often feels more reliable. Even though the season feels calmer, your landscape is still very much alive beneath the surface. Watering in the fall is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment in plants, turf, and trees.
Why Watering in Fall Matters
Our partners at Proven Winners agree that while above-ground growth slows down in fall, plants are far from dormant. Instead, they are directing energy into developing and strengthening their root systems. This underground activity sets the stage for how well they withstand winter stress and how vigorously they rebound in spring. Consistent soil moisture is crucial for this process.
Proven Winners fall watering blog talks about how evergreens in particular depend on adequate fall watering because they retain foliage year-round. This group of plants continues to lose water through their needles even during cold months. Without enough moisture stored in the soil before the ground freezes, evergreens are at high risk of winter burn, a common issue where needles turn brown or die back.
Lurvey Pro Tip: Evergreens are especially thirsty going into winter. A long, slow soak before the ground freezes can prevent browning and needle loss when spring arrives.
Young trees and newly installed landscapes are also especially vulnerable. Their roots are not yet established enough to access deeper water reserves, so supplemental watering is often the difference between thriving and struggling.
How Much and How Often to Water
The goal in the fall is to keep soil evenly moist until it freezes, which in the Chicago area can extend into November or even early December, depending on the weather. Some guidelines to keep in mind:
Deep watering is always the best approach in the fall. The goal is to get moisture down 6–8 inches into the soil, where roots can access it. Shallow watering only wets the surface and encourages weak surface roots that dry out quickly.
Lurvey Pro Tip: Don’t water on autopilot. Instead of sticking to a calendar, test the soil several inches down with a screwdriver or probe. If it’s dry, water deeply; if not, wait a few days and check again.
It’s also important not to assume that rainfall is enough. Fall showers can be deceiving, often dampening the surface without soaking in deeply. Unless you receive a slow, steady inch of rain over the course of a week, supplemental watering will still be needed.
Newly planted trees and shrubs deserve extra attention. Their root systems are still small and developing, which makes them more vulnerable to dry conditions. Plan to water these every 7–10 days until the ground freezes. For larger trees, a slow soak around the drip line ensures the water reaches roots where they are actively growing.
Finally, don’t forget the lawn. Turfgrass is particularly active in the fall, repairing itself after summer and building stronger roots for winter dormancy. Watering during this period supports that growth and helps lawns green up faster when spring arrives.
Practical Tips for Fall Watering
To make fall watering a simple habit, keep these practices in mind:
- Water in the morning: Cooler morning temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing plants to absorb more water before the day warms up.
- Use mulch to retain moisture: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around trees and shrubs helps regulate soil temperature and reduces water loss. Just keep mulch pulled back a few inches from trunks.
- Don’t forget containers: Fall planters, mums, and seasonal arrangements dry out faster than in-ground plantings. Keep watering these until frost takes them out.
- Set reminders: It’s easy to forget watering once summer routines end. Set a weekly reminder to check soil moisture until a hard freeze arrives.
Lurvey Pro Tip: For newly planted material, circle the drip line with a soaker hose and let it run slowly. This delivers water right where the roots are growing instead of letting it run off the surface.
Common Fall Watering Mistakes
Skipping fall watering is the biggest mistake, but there are other pitfalls to avoid:
- Stopping too early: Many people stop watering as soon as daytime highs dip into the 60s. The key is soil temperature, not air temperature. Keep watering until the ground consistently freezes.
- Overwatering late in the season: While soil moisture is important, soggy conditions can suffocate roots. Water deeply but allow the soil to drain between waterings.
- Neglecting evergreens: Homeowners often assume all plants “shut down” in the fall. Remember, evergreens are different and must go into winter with adequate hydration.
Our Fall Watering Checklist
Looking for an easy way to remember the essentials? Our Fall Watering Checklist highlights the most important steps to keep your landscape healthy through the season.
The Payoff in Spring
The benefits of proper fall watering show up months later. Plants that enter winter well-hydrated are less likely to experience dieback, leaf scorch, or stunted growth when spring arrives. Lawns recover faster, shrubs and perennials leaf out more fully, and evergreens keep their rich color.
Consistent fall watering means fewer replacements, less stress on your plants, and a healthier, more vibrant yard when the growing season returns. A little extra effort now ensures your landscape is ready to thrive when spring arrives.
For more information and advice, please stop into Lurvey Home & Garden to speak with one of our specialists. You can also find additional tips and insight from the University of Illinois Extension’s article on the same topic.
