The 2026 dry Utah winter has been anything but typical. Along the Wasatch Front, residents have experienced record-low snowpack, unusually warm temperatures, and very few nights below freezing. While that might sound like a break from harsh conditions, it creates a challenging scenario for our urban forest. Trees are waking early, soils are drying fast, and the risk of drought stress by summer is increasing.
At All Woods Tree Service, we’ve been helping Wasatch homeowners protect their trees for years, and in conditions like this, early action is critical. Whether you have native species or ornamental landscaping, understanding how and when to water, fertilize, and support tree health this year will make all the difference.
The Impact of a Dry Utah Winter on Tree Health
The Dry Utah Winter of 2025–2026 is setting records for low precipitation and high temperatures, especially along the Wasatch Front. According to the Utah Snow Survey Program, as of early February, the statewide snowpack sits at just 48% of normal, with many lower-elevation sites reporting little to no snow accumulation at all. This lack of snowpack not only impacts water availability for agriculture and residential use, but also has serious implications for tree health. Snow acts as an insulating blanket and a natural moisture source for dormant root systems. Without it, roots are left exposed to rapid freeze-thaw cycles and dehydration.
Compounding the issue, Salt Lake City has experienced over 30 days this winter with temperatures above 45°F, causing some ornamental trees and shrubs to break dormancy prematurely. These warm snaps followed by hard freezes can damage buds and tissue, especially in non-native species. Homeowners should be aware that proactive watering and fertilization may be necessary well before spring officially arrives.
Why Dry Winters Matter
In a typical year, trees in Northern Utah rely on winter snowpack to recharge the soil. Melting snow provides slow, deep moisture that reaches the root zones of large trees. But when we have an unusually warm and dry winter like this one:
- Soil dries out much earlier
- Trees break dormancy prematurely
- Roots may begin growing without support
- A late hard freeze can damage early blooms or tender new growth
- Summer drought stress is more likely
This combination can weaken tree defenses and leave them vulnerable to pests, disease, or even premature decline — especially ornamental species not adapted to the arid climate.
Native vs. Ornamental Trees: Key Differences
Not all trees respond the same to water stress. Native Utah species have evolved for drought survival, while ornamental trees often require more consistent care:
| Tree Type | Adaptation to Drought | Water Needs | Fertilization Needs | Common Species |
| Native Trees | High | Low | Low/moderate | Gambel oak, Bigtooth maple, Utah juniper |
| Ornamental Trees | Low/moderate | Moderate/high | High (esp. in poor soils) | Flowering pear, Maple cultivars, Birch, Crabapple |
Native Trees
Species like Gambel oak, Bigtooth maple, and Utah juniper are built to survive Utah’s climate. They can tolerate long dry periods, rocky soils, and hot summers. These trees generally need less water, but young or transplanted natives still benefit from strategic deep watering in dry winters.
Ornamental Trees
These are often chosen for their beauty — fall color, spring blooms, or structured canopies — but they tend to have shallower roots and less drought resistance. Ornamental maples, flowering pears, and birches are especially vulnerable in dry soil and may suffer from leaf scorch, dieback, or insect infestations if not cared for properly.
Watering Trees in Winter and Early Spring
If there’s no snow on the ground and daytime temps are above freezing, your trees may already be drying out — even if they look dormant. Here’s how to help:
When to Water
- Late winter through early spring: Water every 3–4 weeks if there’s no measurable snow or rain
- Mid-spring through summer: Water deeply every 2–3 weeks, depending on tree species and age
- Early morning is best to reduce evaporation
How to Water
- Use a slow trickle from a hose, drip irrigation, or deep root watering tool
- Apply water in a wide circle around the drip line — not just near the trunk
- Water should reach 12–18 inches deep, where feeder roots are most active
Deep Root Fertilization: A Smart Investment
With trees already stressed by unusual winter conditions, deep root fertilization can offer a crucial boost. Unlike surface-applied fertilizers that often wash away, deep root fertilization injects nutrients directly into the soil where roots can access them.
Benefits of Deep Root Feeding:
- Encourages strong spring root growth
- Helps trees recover from drought or freeze stress
- Improves resistance to pests and diseases
- Stimulates foliage and bloom quality in ornamentals
This is especially valuable for:
- Flowering ornamentals
- Newly planted or transplanted trees
- Trees showing signs of stress (early leaf drop, dieback, poor bloom)
Tip: Schedule deep fertilization before summer heat hits — March to May is ideal.
FAQ: Tree Care During an Unusual Utah Winter
Q: My tree is already budding — should I be worried?
Yes, if a hard freeze happens in late February or March, new growth could be damaged. Deep watering can help stabilize the tree, and fertilization may support recovery.
Q: Do native trees need to be watered in winter too?
Mature native trees may survive, but young or ornamental hybrids with shallow roots still benefit from winter watering during dry spells.
Q: What if I don’t know what kind of trees I have?
Our certified arborists at All Woods Tree Service can evaluate your landscape and create a custom care plan — no guesswork needed.
Q: How do I know if my tree is stressed?
Look for early bloom, shriveled buds, dry soil, or signs of leaf scorch and thinning. Preventive care now can avoid costly removals later.
Take Action Early
Northern Utah’s trees are under unusual pressure this year, and homeowners who respond early can protect their investment — and their landscape’s beauty.
At All Woods Tree Service, we offer:
- Professional tree health evaluations
- Deep root fertilization services
- Winter and early spring watering guidance
- Tree trimming and pruning tailored to current conditions
Schedule a visit now to get your trees ready for a challenging summer.
