Our dry winter weather inspires most Colorado gardeners to water their trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns.

Colorado State University Extension recommends that we water at midday, on days when temperatures are above 40. So, on a warm day, about every two weeks, hook up the hose and sprinkler, giving special attention to newly planted shrubs and perennials.

Trees planted in the past three years will need 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, once a month. Let a hose slowly soak the ground near the roots. Established trees also benefit from winter watering, even though they seem dormant.

Plants in sunny or wind-exposed areas benefit greatly from added irrigation.

The extra attention will reward the gardener with healthier plants in spring. Just remember to remove the hose from the tap when done so the hose doesn’t freeze. For more on this subject, go to www.ext.colostate.edu and search for fact sheet No. 7.211, titled “Fall and Winter Watering.”

St. Cloud State defenseman Nicholas Rioux (5) checks Colorado College forward Addison DeBoer (5) into the boards in the third period at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE