Watering newly planted trees

Dear Anne,

I recently planted, during the last week of October, Norway and Serbian spruce trees, and Douglas fir trees. I live in Essex County NJ. How often do I need to water them and how much water is recommended? If snow is on the ground, does depth matter, and does it matter if snow is or is not directly under the tree branches?

Thank you for your help.

Anthony

Anne's response:

When plants receive the equivalent of 1 inch of water a week, whether in the form of rain or snow, there is no need to water plants. As long as there is snow on the ground there is no need to water. Another problem is the cold and drying winds of winter. Newly planted trees do need to be sprayed with an anti-dessicant to prevent the needles from drying out. Wilt-Pruf is one trade name for such a product.