Water is one of the most important elements in the life of any plant, and for trees and shrubs, it can make the difference between thriving and simply surviving. Whether you’re planting bare root trees or wildlife shrubs, getting the timing of your watering right is just as essential as choosing the right species for your space.

At Cold Stream Farm, we supply wholesale trees and shrubs for landscaping, conservation, and wildlife habitat projects throughout the Midwest and beyond. Our team wants to ensure that your plants flourish once they’re in the ground—and that starts with knowing when and how to water them.

Why Proper Watering Timing Matters

You’ve picked the right plants. You’ve prepared your soil. But even the hardiest bare root tree can struggle without a solid watering plan. When you water at the right times, you:

Support strong, deep root systems
Help plants establish more quickly
Reduce water waste and evaporation
Lower the risk of disease and fungus
Encourage better flowering, fruiting, and foliage

And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools—just a little knowledge and consistency.

Morning vs. Evening: What’s the Best Time of Day to Water?

Morning Wins—Every Time

If you remember only one tip from this article, make it this: Water in the morning. The earlier, the better—ideally before 10 a.m. Morning watering allows the water to soak deep into the soil while temperatures are still cool, and winds are typically calm. It also gives leaves time to dry out, preventing fungal diseases.

Evening: Second Best, But Riskier

If mornings aren’t an option, early evening (around 5–6 p.m.) is your next best bet. Just be careful not to soak the leaves or water too late into the night, as moisture left sitting overnight can lead to mildew and root rot.

Seasonal Guide: When to Water Throughout the Year

Spring – Wakeup Call for New Growth

As your bare root trees and shrubs break dormancy, they’ll need moisture to fuel new leaves, buds, and root growth. Spring is one of the best seasons to plant, but you’ll need to water frequently in the beginning.

New plantings: Water every 2–3 days
Established trees: Once a week, or as needed based on rainfall
Tip: Check soil moisture by digging 2–3 inches down—if it feels dry, water!

Summer – Deep Soaks, Not Daily Sprinkles

Hot, dry conditions in summer mean your plants are working overtime. This is when proper watering makes a big difference. Forget quick daily sprays—deep, infrequent watering helps roots grow deeper and builds drought resistance.

New trees/shrubs: Water once or twice weekly
Established trees: Every 7–10 days
Bonus tip: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and keep roots cool

Fall – Time to Taper Off (But Don’t Stop Yet)

As temperatures drop and your plants begin preparing for dormancy, their water needs decrease—but they’re still there. Fall watering supports root growth, especially for wildlife trees and shrubs that feed animals through winter.

Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks if dry
Important: Water well before the ground freezes, especially for evergreens

Winter – Water Sparingly in Warmer Climates

In regions where the soil doesn’t freeze solid, occasional winter watering may be needed during dry spells. Plants can still lose moisture through their leaves and bark in cold winds, especially evergreens.

Water only: When temperatures are above 40°F and the soil isn’t frozen

Tree Age Matters: New vs. Established Plants

Newly Planted Trees & Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root trees and shrubs need careful attention during their first season. Because they’re planted without soil, they need moisture to help their roots settle and grow into the surrounding earth.

Weeks 1–3: Water 2–3 times per week
Weeks 4–12: Water weekly
After 12 weeks: Water bi-weekly or as needed

Mature Trees and Shrubs

Established trees don’t need as much help, but they’ll benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods, especially in summer. A single, thorough soaking every 10–14 days should suffice unless you’re dealing with extreme drought.

How to Water the Right Way

Even watering has a strategy. Follow these tips to make sure your trees and shrubs get the most benefit:

Water the Root Zone – This is the area just outside the trunk or stem, where roots actually absorb water.
Go Deep – Slow, deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper. Use a soaker hose or drip system if possible.
Avoid Runoff – Water slowly enough that the soil has time to absorb it.
Use Mulch – A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around your tree base (not touching the trunk) retains moisture and suppresses weeds.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Yard or Wildlife Project

At Cold Stream Farm, we grow and ship a wide selection of wildlife trees, shrubs, and bare root plants that are well-suited to Midwest conditions and beyond. Some of our most popular offerings include:

Fast-growing deciduous trees for shade and privacy
Shrubs for birds and pollinators like elderberry, viburnum, and dogwood
Deer habitat trees such as red osier dogwood and hazelnut
Windbreak and privacy evergreens including spruce and pine

Whether you’re creating a wildlife corridor or planting for backyard beauty, you’ll find everything you need in our wholesale tree nursery in Michigan.

Important Shipping Notes

As a leading source for bare root trees and wholesale shrubs, Cold Stream Farm strives to offer the best experience possible. Please keep in mind:

Field inventory is based on estimates—some items may be unavailable when packed
Unavailable items will be refunded in full
Orders may be placed at any time of year
Once harvest begins, shipments may take up to 3+ weeks after confirmation
Shipping is only available within the lower 48 contiguous U.S. states
All orders must be placed online

Before ordering, we strongly recommend reviewing our Shipping Information page.

Water Smarter, Grow Better

From bare root trees to wildlife shrubs, watering at the right time is a simple but powerful step in growing healthy, lasting plants. Follow the guidance above to make the most of your planting efforts—and if you ever need help choosing the right species or placing an order, our team at Cold Stream Farm is here to help.

Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!

Best Times to Water Your Trees and Shrubs