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2026 drought causes tree doubt
Plant trees to beat the heat! No restrictions!
By Chris Leinster - April 2, 2026
Every Colorado skier knows the winter of 2025/26 was sadly one of the worst on record in terms of low snowfall amounts and warm dry conditions across the Front Range and the Continental Divide. Low snowpack means less than full reservoirs and tightening water reserves to supply communities across greater Denver metro area. Local municipalities and water managers are anticipating drought conditions, and are considering or implementing outdoor watering restrictions for the coming summer season.
Many homeowners and potential clients are under the impression that these conditions might prevent them from new tree planting and are delaying or cancelling plans to plant trees this year. The situation in reality is not so dire. The outdoor watering restrictions being considered or mandated in most communities simply follow common sense water conservation practices, and are intended to eliminate wasteful watering practices.
For the most part, the regulations simply mandate or impose watering practices that otherwise ought to be practiced, even in water abundant years. This means operating irrigation systems efficiently, directing sprinkler heads off paved surfaces, and avoiding runoff to sidewalks and streets. Homeowners are directed to water only in the early morning or evening hours when the air is cooler to eliminate evaporation in the heat of the day. This regulation is always in effect, but may be more strictly enforced during this water stressed year. Additionally, residences may be assigned specific watering days to better manage system capacity.
Bluegrass lawns can thrive under most conditions with efficient watering only three times per week. Most communities restrict watering to three days per week regardless of drought conditions. The strictest regulations under consideration that I could find are certain municipalities limiting lawn watering to only two days per week. Most jurisdictions are encouraging delaying firing up irrigation systems until May to allow reservoirs fill up to satisfy higher demand during summer months.
So, is now a good time to plant new trees, and will new tree planting even be allowed? Great news, there are no current restrictions prohibiting the planting of new trees, nor are any under consideration! As always, newly planted trees should be watered efficiently no more than three times per week. Give them a good soaking when you water, but do not water again until the soil drains and somewhat dries out.
How can you know when your tree needs water? Happy Trees installs a water gage, a simple pipe that extends to the bottom of the planting hole. Probing with a bamboo dipstick allows you to see if water is reaching the bottom of the hole, if water is sitting in the basin, or if the soil is drying out and in need of water. This Happy Trees exclusive gives you control and ensures that you provide only the water needed to help your tree thrive.
The last thing I want to do is stir up an argument over climate change, but if climate change is to blame, trees are the answer! Trees soak up the energy of the sun, converting the sun’s energy into sugars that feed the tree. They cool the ground and shade the lawn, reducing the water needed to keep the grass green. They shade paved surfaces which reflect heat back to the atmosphere. They shade houses and block sunlight from windows, reducing the energy needed to cool houses and lowering utility bills! They house and feed wildlife which may be struggling in drought-stressed seasons. Trees pump oxygen into the air to restore a balance of atmospheric gases. And they gobble up carbon, storing it in woody tissue and returning it to the soil.
If you and your family are considering planting a new tree or trees this year, there is no reason to hesitate. Every year you delay is a year’s growth lost that otherwise could be providing you shade, privacy, or just something pretty to enjoy. Planting trees this season is not only allowed, it’s the right thing to do! Call Happy Trees today and let’s beat the heat together!
Many homeowners and potential clients are under the impression that these conditions might prevent them from new tree planting and are delaying or cancelling plans to plant trees this year. The situation in reality is not so dire. The outdoor watering restrictions being considered or mandated in most communities simply follow common sense water conservation practices, and are intended to eliminate wasteful watering practices.
For the most part, the regulations simply mandate or impose watering practices that otherwise ought to be practiced, even in water abundant years. This means operating irrigation systems efficiently, directing sprinkler heads off paved surfaces, and avoiding runoff to sidewalks and streets. Homeowners are directed to water only in the early morning or evening hours when the air is cooler to eliminate evaporation in the heat of the day. This regulation is always in effect, but may be more strictly enforced during this water stressed year. Additionally, residences may be assigned specific watering days to better manage system capacity.
Bluegrass lawns can thrive under most conditions with efficient watering only three times per week. Most communities restrict watering to three days per week regardless of drought conditions. The strictest regulations under consideration that I could find are certain municipalities limiting lawn watering to only two days per week. Most jurisdictions are encouraging delaying firing up irrigation systems until May to allow reservoirs fill up to satisfy higher demand during summer months.
So, is now a good time to plant new trees, and will new tree planting even be allowed? Great news, there are no current restrictions prohibiting the planting of new trees, nor are any under consideration! As always, newly planted trees should be watered efficiently no more than three times per week. Give them a good soaking when you water, but do not water again until the soil drains and somewhat dries out.
How can you know when your tree needs water? Happy Trees installs a water gage, a simple pipe that extends to the bottom of the planting hole. Probing with a bamboo dipstick allows you to see if water is reaching the bottom of the hole, if water is sitting in the basin, or if the soil is drying out and in need of water. This Happy Trees exclusive gives you control and ensures that you provide only the water needed to help your tree thrive.
The last thing I want to do is stir up an argument over climate change, but if climate change is to blame, trees are the answer! Trees soak up the energy of the sun, converting the sun’s energy into sugars that feed the tree. They cool the ground and shade the lawn, reducing the water needed to keep the grass green. They shade paved surfaces which reflect heat back to the atmosphere. They shade houses and block sunlight from windows, reducing the energy needed to cool houses and lowering utility bills! They house and feed wildlife which may be struggling in drought-stressed seasons. Trees pump oxygen into the air to restore a balance of atmospheric gases. And they gobble up carbon, storing it in woody tissue and returning it to the soil.
If you and your family are considering planting a new tree or trees this year, there is no reason to hesitate. Every year you delay is a year’s growth lost that otherwise could be providing you shade, privacy, or just something pretty to enjoy. Planting trees this season is not only allowed, it’s the right thing to do! Call Happy Trees today and let’s beat the heat together!