October historically is one of the driest months of the year, especially this fall with the excessive heat over the past few weeks.

Many forget that when cold weather arrives, the need for irrigation is lessened. Landscape plants need water during dormancy as well as during their growing season.

With newly seeded lawns, gardeners are faced with the dilemma of irrigating the new grass to prevent it from dying. Once the small seedlings emerge, it is important to keep the sparsely rooted seedlings irrigated to maintain growth and allow root expansion.

Those who choose to reduce irrigation or stop altogether risk partial or total loss of their fall lawn planting. It is a difficult choice for many, especially for those with weak wells or high water bills. Some newly seeded and established lawns are showing signs of drought.

Valuable trees and shrubs also need water during the winter for survival. It is important to note that tree and shrub root systems continue to grow and develop during fall and winter months. Trees and shrubs must be irrigated during fall and winter drought periods.

Often, trees and shrubs damaged by drought do not show signs during dormancy as during the summer. The damage is not relevant until spring. The extended drought may take out many large tree species, especially red oaks.

Dogwoods, rhododendron, azaleas and camellias have shallow root systems, easily drying out during extended dry weather. One to 2 inches of water during the week during an extended drought is enough for established trees and shrubs. Newly planted shrubs may need more water.

Remember, overwatering kills trees and shrubs much more quickly than a short drought.

Three to 6 inches of organic mulch such as bark or pine needles helps to conserves soil moisture in the landscape. With little appreciable rainfall in our future, now would be good time to add organic mulch.

Also, consider installing a drip irrigation system for valuable plants next spring. Drip systems place water where it’s needed without waste. Drip or trickle irrigation systems are inexpensive and pay for themselves with water savings in one season.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired extension director with horticulture responsibilities with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.